Obituary of Mary Jane Curry McKinney

Mary Jane Curry McKinney, 88, entered into eternal life on August 27, 2016 at her home in Simpsonville surrounded by family and friends. Mary Jane was reared in the Green Pond community by her late parents, Josie Kellett and Roy Wilton Curry. She attended Gray Court-Owings High School where she was the valedictorian of her graduating class. Continuing her education at Winthrop College, she received a bachelor’s degree in business education. She began teaching in Landrum, SC, and then moved to Simpsonville High and later Hillcrest High, where she was the head of the business department. During her nearly 40 years as a teacher, Mary Jane touched many students’ lives. Mary Jane worked tirelessly with the Simpsonville businesses to help students find jobs and careers, always going the extra mile. Hillcrest named the business award the “Mary Jane McKinney” award, which is given to an outstanding business student each year. In 1953, Mary Jane married the love of her life, Morris McKinney and they became very active in the community and enjoyed a large circle of wonderful friends. Mary Jane loved her church, Simpsonville United Methodist, and taught Sunday School there for many years. While working in the school, church and community, Mary Jane’s number one priority was her son, Stanley Morris McKinney. He was the center of her life and gave her tremendous joy and pride. Spending time with her grandsons, Brockman Currie McKinney and Austin Cox McKinney was the source of great joy in her life. They had many good times together, especially on their many beach trips. Mary Jane leaves behind her son Stan (Miriam), grandsons Brock and Austin, a sister Virginia Ann McCarter (Lewis), two nephews, Michael and Charles McCarter and their families, as well as sisters-in-law Florine Boiter and Jamie O’Connell . She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Tom Morris McKinney. During the last years, Mary Jane received excellent care from one of her former students, Demetria Barksdale. Dee always went above and beyond to make sure her mentor was well taken care of. Visitors to the McKinney’s over the past few years have been treated to Dee’s wonderful cooking and love for the McKinney’s. The family also wants to thank Carol Harris for her many years of care as well as The Team Care Force caregivers. The family also wants to recognize Lewis Cooley. Lewis never failed to visit frequently and was always ready to help when needed. Lewis has been a loyal friend to both Morris and Mary Jane for many, many years and is considered part of the family. The funeral will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Green Pond United Methodist Church, 168 Stoddard Mill Road, Gray Court, with a visitation from 10-11 AM. Burial will follow at Graceland East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Simpsonville United Methodist Church, 215 SE Main St., Simpsonville, SC. 29681.