Joanne Jennie McKinney

Joanne Jennie McKinney

March 31, 1936 – February 11, 2026

Joanne Jennie McKinney, age 89 (just shy of her 90th birthday), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ after a fall and a short illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 31, 1936 in Hinchman, Michigan.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Agnes and Joseph Ewalt; her brothers Frank and Richard Ewalt; and her sister Jeanette Stover.

Joanne is survived by her husband of 70 years, Verl M. McKinney.

She is also survived by her devoted daughters Kathleen Bourke (Ted) of Bay Head, New Jersey, and Nancy Hamson (Stephen) of Darien, Connecticut. Joanne was a proud and loving grandmother to Sean Bourke (Lea), Katie Bourke, Connor Bourke (Austin), John Hamson and William Hamson (Mikayla).

She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, extended family, and many dear friends whose lives she touched with her loving and kind spirit.

Joanne was born and raised in Michigan, to Joseph and Agnes Ewalt. She married her high school sweetheart and best friend, Verl, who used to save her a seat on the school bus. She was valedictorian and Verl was class president. After high school, they married and moved across the country during Verl's service in the Army before eventually settling in Farmingdale, New Jersey.

Recently, Joanne and Verl celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. He was the love of her life, and even in later years they could still be seen walking hand in hand.

Joanne was a devoted mother to her two daughters, serving as a Girl Scout Leader and actively participating in their schools and activities. Family time was central to her life, especially camping trips and days spent together at the beach.

She was a loving and steady presence for her grandchildren and a wonderful role model to them. She attended every soccer game, chorus concert, band concert and dance recital they were involved in. "Camp Grandma Grandpa" was open every summer for overnight visits.

Family was precious to Joanne. She cherished holidays and any opportunity to gather everyone together.

Her spirituality defined her life, and her church family was her community. She was also a loyal and loving friend, always ready to offer support and encouragement. Joanne treasured her time with friends, especially her Tuesday lunch group, Elizabeth Circle, her after-church luncheon friends, and Book Club.

Joanne held many roles in her professional life from administrative assistant at the Pentagon to office manager of Alto Development Corporation. After retirement, she and Verl enjoyed many years traveling across country and abroad.

Joanne was a lifelong learner and also loved gardening and crafting. She earned her bachelor's degree from Georgian Court University later in life while working and raising her family. She was a seamstress, knitter, quilter, and most recently enjoyed making personalized greeting cards with her Jersey Girl Stampin' Up buddies.

Joanne lived a long and fulfilling life. She will be remembered for her kindness, her wit, her grace, and her unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Joanne loved and supported so many. She will be greatly missed, and we are grateful for all the wonderful times we had together.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joanne's memory to the First

United Methodist Church of Freehold, 91 W. Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728.

Visitation

Sunday, February 15, 2026

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Higgins Memorial Home

20 Center Street

Freehold, NJ 07728

Funeral Service

Monday, February 16, 2026

11:00 am

First United Methodist Church of Freehold

91 W. Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728

A brief viewing will be held in the sanctuary at 10:30 am before the service begins.

A repast will be held immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall – all are invited.

Private Family Burial

Tuesday, February 17, 2026