Lena Gail Edwards McKinney was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She left this world to be with her Lord on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk, North Carolina.

She was born in Bakersville, North Carolina to Carson and Nettie Ollis Edwards on November 22, 1934.  She met her husband, Bobby Lee McKinney, at a young age, they began their life of 71 years together.  In the years to follow they celebrated the joy of the birth of their three daughters.  After raising her children Gail received a degree in business and later retired from S&H Green Stamp Store as a manager.  In addition to her personal accomplishments, she was a supportive pastor's wife for many years.

Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her infant daughter Margaret.  Sisters Beula Ledford, Dorothy Young, Mary Greene. Brother James Edwards.

Gail is survived by husband Bobby, Daughters, Karen Rhymer and her husband, Duane of Boone, North Carolina.  Kim Brooks and husband, Terry of Rossville, Georgia.  Granddaughters Michelle Holcombe, April Church and husband Travis, Angie Scoggins and husband Brian, Tina Warden, and husband Greg.  Twelve great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at Friendship Baptist Church, Bakersville, NC.  Family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 with a celebration of life service at 2:00 pm.  Burial to follow at McKinney Cove Baptist Church cemetery.  Dr. Marcus Benfield, Rev. Bobby McKinney, and Rev. Terry Brooks will be officiating

Serving as pallbearers will be Brian Scoggins, Ed Manley, Frank Johnson, Greg Warden, Gerald Glenn, Jonah Lewis, Luke Glenn, and Roger Campbell.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 246 Bakers LN, Bakersville, NC 28705.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the staff of Life Care Center of Banner Elk, North Carolina and Hospice of Blue Ridge.