At age 82, Betty Chappell McKinney, the beloved wife of Jim McKinney, passed away peacefully in Winter Park, Florida on March 15, 2021 to be with her Lord after an extended valiant struggle with lung cancer and ultimate respiratory failure.

Betty was born in Norfolk, Virginia on December 7, 1938, the only daughter of Lottie and Claude Chappell. She lived with her parents in a close-knit and loving environment in the suburban community of Berkeley, Virginia through her teenage years. She attended Maury High School and then moved with her parents to Norfolk, Virginia after enrolling at Longwood College where she graduated with a degree in education. Betty later taught third grade and served as the school librarian at Kempsville Elementary School in Virginia Beach, Virginia for fifteen years.

It was during her fifteenth year of teaching that Betty met Jim McKinney, a Naval Officer serving duty in Norfolk. The two fell in love and were married on February 9, 1974. She then became the traveling Navy wife, seldom living under the same roof for more than a couple years. As a Navy wife, Betty learned to accept many lengthy periods without Jim while he was at sea on extended deployments. Early in their marriage, while living in Virginia Beach, Betty gave birth to her closest friend and beloved daughter, Amanda, on November 12, 1976. Shortly thereafter, her travels took her to many locations both foreign and domestic. After Jim's retirement, the couple finally settled down in the quaint Westminster Continuous Care Community of Winter Park, Florida to be near their daughter, Amanda, her husband, Rich and two precious grandchildren. Life thereafter became much more leisurely for both Betty and Jim. Although Betty was never considered to be a highly proficient golfer, she and Jim could often be seen together at their nearby Winter Pines golf course.

Betty joined the Winter Park Presbyterian Church in 2016, and routinely attended Sunday Worship Services along with Jim, where he served as both a Deacon and an Elder.

Betty lived a full life as a caring mother and loving wife. She accumulated a vast number of dear friends in her lifetime and will be sorely missed by all. Life has been good to Betty as she will now be joining her beloved mother and father who have preceded her into God's heavenly kingdom.

A Celebration of Life for Betty will be conducted at the Winter Park Presbyterian Church at 400 S. Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park, Florida at an undetermined future date in April 2021, with her subsequent inurnment at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium in Annapolis, Maryland where her urn will be placed alongside Jim's urn at a future date.

The family of Betty Chappel McKinney invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in her loving memory.