Lorraine Chappell McKinney

Mrs. Lorraine Chappell McKinney, 88, of Mount Airy, passed away Friday, September 3, 2010, at Golden Living Center. She had been in declining health with Alzheimer's disease for five years. Lorraine was born April 16, 1922, in Surry County, to Euclid Kirby Chappell, Sr. and Judith DeEtte Haynes Chappell. She graduated with honors from Mount Airy City Schools and Meredith College. She majored in chemistry and biology and did one year of research at Duke University. She attended the National Science Institute at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest. She taught for 37 years at Mount Airy Senior High School. She married James Robert McKinney on May 12, 1944. Robert passed away April 22, 2002. She loved teaching and was active in NEA and the National Honor Society. She encouraged excellence and encouraged students to advance their careers. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and Colon Putnam of Winston-Salem; a grandson, Robert B. Putnam and his wife, Shannon Putnam; a sister-in-law, Mary McKinney Lowe and her husband, Lester Lowe, Jr.; two nephews, Dennis Lowe of Lowgap and Wade Reece McKinney of McKinney, TX; her special cousin, Blanche Castelow of Chester, VA; and numerous cousins and friends. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Mount Airy, with Dr. Roger Gilbert officiating. The family will meet friends Tuesday from 12:45 until 1:45 PM in the Fireside Room at the church. The family wishes to thank the staff of Pennybyrn at Maryfield, High Point, Golden Living Center and Mountain Valley Hospice for their love and care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 714 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 or to the hospice chapter of the donor's choice.