Julia McKinney

Julia Ann Paisley McKinney passed away Wednesday April 25 at the Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas on her own terms after a day of visiting with family and friends. She was born July, 15 1928 In Little Rock Arkansas to Tom Paisley and Jewel Clinton Blackwell Paisley and attended Trinity Episcopal Cathedral all through her youth. After graduation from Little Rock High School she attended Southern Seminary in Virginia for her freshman year then transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and graduated in 1950 with a degree in history. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Psi Chapter, while attending school at the University of Arkansas, and later served as chapter advisor for many years. She married Robert Staten McKinney in 1951 and taught at Washington Elementary school until Bob completed his degree. From there, he entered the military and they traveled around the country with the first 3 children being born in 3 different cities. Their 4th child was born after they returned to Fayetteville where Bob entered the family insurance business. Married for 66 years, Bob and Julia Ann remained friends for over 80 years with many dear childhood and college friends, as well as many friends in Fayetteville. Julia Ann had a great adventuresome spirit and loved to travel. She took the kids to the World's Fair in New York, to the Olympics in Montreal and trips to Alaska and Hawaii. She hosted exchange students from Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the Dominican Republic. One of her many conservation efforts was working with Cy Southerland at the University of Arkansas on his "Survey of Benton County AR", which resulted in over 100 properties being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Julia Ann was also active in Northwest Arkansas Girl Scouts, was a cookie mother, camping and canoe trip mom and designated 2nd mom to many friends. Bob and Julia Ann met in the 4th grade where Bob literally dipped her pigtails in the desk inkwell. Their love flourished and continues now that they have been united again. She is a Past Regent of Marion Chapter National Daughters of the American Revolution, maintaining her membership over 40 years. Julia Ann maintained an advisor status in the family business until the end with her multi-faceted support of the perpetuation of McKinney Insurance into its fourth generation. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Bob. She is survived by children Tom and his wife Vicki in West Fork, Ark., John and his wife Cindy in Broken Arrow Okla., Rick and his wife LaNita in Fayetteville and Janie McKinney in Fayetteville. Also grandchildren Paisley Spain with her husband Noah in Fayetteville, Lacy McKinney in Fayetteville, David and Andrew McKinney in Broken Arrow, Okla., and Will McKinney in West Fork. Services will be held at 4pm on Thursday May 3, 2018 at St Paul's Episcopal Church, 225 S. East Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701. Reception in the Parish Hall immediately following. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following organizations that Julia Ann actively supported: St Paul's Episcopal Church in care of Julia Ann Paisley McKinney at 225 S. East Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, http://stpaulsfay.org/. Chi Omega Sorority Psi Chapter in care of Julia Ann Paisley McKinney, Chi Omega Fraternity National Headquarters 3395 Players Club Pkwy, Memphis, Tenn., 38125, 901 784-8600, http://chiomega.com/, or the Marion Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution care of Julia Ann Paisley McKinney at P.O. Box 98, Fayetteville, Ark., 72702-0098, http://arkansas-dar.org/marion.htm. The family wishes to express its never ending gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other caregivers at Washington Regional whose compassion and professionalism helped us through this difficult time. To place an online tribute visit www.moorersfuneralchapel.com.