On August 22, 2022, Willa "Billie" McKinney gained her wings and went to walk with the angels after a long battle with dementia at the age of 92.   She was born the daughter of Allen and Ada McKinney, in Butler, TN, in what is now known as Watauga Lake on August 10, 1930. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Hawkins, Nephew Larry Mark Terry, and her beloved daughter, Patricia Garland. She is survived by her niece Helen Icenhour, her granddaughter Tavia Garland Melhus and her husband John.

In her working years, she was a successful photographer, getting her start at Ronson Studios in Johnson City, TN, and continuing her career at Olan Mills. Her retirement years were joyfully spent with her granddaughter her goddaughter, Dawn Sparks, and her family.  She loved baseball, fishing, and trips to the library. Though her health had been failing for years, she fought to stay here on Earth as long as she could but once Patricia passed away in March of this year she wanted to go home with her.  She spent her last 4 months in the care of the wonderful staff at The Rutherford where she passed peacefully in her sleep and the family will be forever grateful for their compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to the Dementia Society of America to support research for a cure. Upon Billie's request, no visitation or memorial service will be held. Her ashes will be scattered at a later date in East Tennessee.

https://www.dementiasociety.org/