Oriana Mendenhall McArthur McKinnon

1928 - 2025

Oriana Mendenhall McArthur McKinnon

September 14, 1928 - January 28, 2025

Norfolk, Virginia - Oriana Mendenhall McArthur McKinnon, age 96, died peacefully on January 28, 2025 at her home in Norfolk, VA. Oriana was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Arnold Borden McKinnon, after 57 years of marriage. She was also pre-deceased by her parents, Colin Shaw McArthur and Anna Davis McArthur, her sister, Mary Laura Sapp, and brother, Colin Shaw McArthur, Jr. She will be greatly missed by her three beloved sons, Arnold Borden McKinnon, Jr. (Lisa), Colin McArthur McKinnon (Patt), and Henry Alexander McKinnon (Ron), as well as her adored grandchildren, Sandy (Alex), Kris (Zach), Borden (Elaine), and Anna (Mike), and great-grandchildren, Sadie, Nina Oriana, and Graham. Oriana's family is especially grateful for the devoted care and loving friendship of Olga Tyson.

Oriana was born on September 14, 1928 in Aberdeen, NC, and attended Lumberton, NC, city schools. In 1950, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Woman's College of the University of NC (now UNC Greensboro), and was inducted into the Golden Chain Leadership Society. Two months later, she and her high school sweetheart, Arnold, were married, and upon his graduation from Duke University Law School, the couple moved to Washington, DC, where Arnold was employed in the law department of the Southern Railway System. Oriana and Arnold lived in Washington for 31 years, and she devoted herself to her family and many community activities. She was an active member of the Junior League of Washington, serving on its Board and as Treasurer for 2 years. She was also a docent at the Smithsonian, a member of the Acorn Garden Club, the Antique Study group, the Colonial Dames of America, the Sulgrave Club, and the Chevy Chase Club.

Believing that all children deserved access to quality health care, Oriana served on the Board of Lady Visitors of Children's National Medical Center and on its Board of Directors, becoming the first woman Chairperson of the Board in 1979.

In 1982, the McKinnons moved to their new home in Norfolk, Virginia, upon the merger of Norfolk and Western and Southern Railway systems, when the new company was brought to Norfolk. The welcoming city of Norfolk put the new residents to work in the community. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Oriana embraced her new community and threw herself into numerous volunteer activities. She served on the boards of the Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters, the Norfolk Forum, the Beasley Foundation, and the Board of Visitors of the Eastern Virginia Medical School. A common love of art drew Oriana and Arnold into active participation at the Chrysler Museum, both of them serving terms over the years on the Chrysler's Board of Trustees. Although they traveled the world as part of Arnold's duties as Chairman and President of Norfolk Southern Corporation, they both maintained their southern charm and small-town values.

Oriana loved to travel, loved the game of tennis, and cherished being with her family and friends. She and Arnold were longtime active members of First Presbyterian Church in Norfolk. She loved God, loved life, and often said to her children "I must be the luckiest woman in the world!"

A service in celebration of Oriana's life will be held on Saturday, February 8th, at noon, at First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, 820 Colonial Avenue.

A private burial will take place at a later date in Maxton, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make memorial contributions may send them to the Chrysler Museum, First Presbyterian Church, or the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.