Dateline: Bakersville, NC

Wilma Louise Ward McKinney, age 82 of Cane Creek Rd, Bakersville, NC, precious mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother went home to be with her Lord on December 5th, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Ernie and Lila Ward and a native of Mitchell County, NC. She was a long-time, faithful member of Grace Baptist Church where she enjoyed praising the Lord, listening to Gospel singing and good preaching. She was a homemaker who lovingly raised five daughters with her beloved husband Bob.

Survivors include: Patty Presnell and husband Sam of Bakersville, NC, Cathy Craigo and husband Bill of Bakersville, NC, Diane Miller and husband Johnny of Spruce Pine, NC, Debbi Slagle and husband Mike of Spruce Pine, NC, Cindi Renfro and husband Martin of Green Mountain, NC, four brothers: Bruce and Sherrill Ward of Bakersville, NC, Kenneth and Richard Ward of Spruce Pine, NC, five grandchildren: Crystal Young and husband Aaron, Ashley Phillips and husband Dillon, Chris Craigo, Michaela Slagle and Ethan Renfro, five great-grandchildren: Owen, Craig and Miles Young, Jesse and Isaac Phillips.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years Robert "Bob" McKinney, and her infant brother George Ward.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Hospice of The Blue Ridge, CAP and Carolina Home Care ladies who took such wonderful care of their sweet mother.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 3:00PM in Grace Baptist Church on Highway 261, with Ronnie Gouge and Randy Wise officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Cane Creek Cemetery #2.

Memorials may be made to: Hospice of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the McKinney Family.