Brenda McKinney, 1948-2020

Brenda Gail Stephens McKinney, 72, passed away Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 at Advent Health Lake Wales.

Brenda was born January 4, 1948 in Ft. Payne, AL to the late William and Maggie Stephens. She moved to Lake Wales from Winder, GA in 1961. Brenda married Bobby McKinney in 1963; to this union three daughters were born, Renee, Theresa, and Shannon. Brenda was a citrus inspector for the State of Florida.

She attended Central Avenue Baptist Church. Brenda never met a stranger; everyone was a friend and welcomed into her home and heart. She had an especially strong desire to rescue any dog in need. This is a trait that appears to be as genetic as hair and eye color, as her love for everything four-legged has been passed down to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her hobbies included sewing and cooking for friends and family.

February of 2020, Brenda was diagnosed with lymphoma. Throughout her battle her faith strong willed and she remained optimistic regarding her future. Brenda passed away Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 at Advent Health Lake Wales.

Brenda was preceded in death by her daughter, Shannon Christine Boyd; fiancé, Eddie Willis Kerce; sisters, Alice Faye Hunter, Daisy May Cobb, and Wanda Jean Daniels; and brothers, William Thomas Stephens, and Edward Stephens. Survivors include her daughters, Renee Hale of Lake Wales, and Theresa Krause and husband Kyle of Palmer, Nebraska; sisters, Barbara Lemonds of Monroe, GA, Pauline Parker of Lake Wales, and Tina Lucas of Clayton, AL; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Interment will take place at Lake Wales Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital for common research (www.stjude.org), or to the Crossed Paws Pet Rescue at http://www.crossedpawspetrescue.org (go to the donate section).