Rita McKinney Brown

Rita J. McKinney-Brown’s earthly journey began on September 8, 1949, in Sylacauga, Alabama.  Rita was the beloved daughter of the late Pearson McKinney and the late Emma Hale.  Rita was the eldest of her 9 siblings.  She was like a second mother to all of them, and her nurturing spirit led her to a career in Nursing.  She was very well respected in the medical field and was loved by those she cared for and worked alongside. Rita retired from Coosa Valley Medical Center as a Registered Nurse after nearly 5 decades of dedicated service. After retirement, she continued to dedicate her time to CVMC as a volunteer member of the Pink Ladies. She also devoted countless hours to community service.

Rita graduated with honors from Phyllis Wheatley High School in Childersburg, AL. She was the second black female to attend the Sylacauga School of Nursing where she graduated with honors and received the Florence Nightingale Award for her outstanding achievements. 

She was a lifelong member of Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board with her husband Booker.  She also served as the Secretary of Sunday School and was an active member of the Matrons.

Rita was an avid reader and loved spending her spare time reading a good mystery novel. She also loved history and could spend hours researching historical events. Anytime she visited a new city, she came prepared to visit historic places she had read about.  Rita was full of life and recently discovered a love for line dancing. She enjoyed learning new dances with her friends and family at the R.R. Moton Community Center. You would often find her playing her favorite game Candy Crush. She loved shopping and traveling and before trips she would pack 2 weeks in advance. What gave Rita the most joy in life, was spending time with her family. When she saw her children and grandchildren, she would light up the room with the biggest smile you can imagine. 

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Booker T Brown Jr of 53 years.  She is also preceded in death by her parents Pearson & Emma Lee Mckinney, brother Ronald Mckinney, sister Ivey Stone, and grandson De Andre Brown. 

Rita leaves behind her three children, Deric (Ventura) Brown of Cold Water, AL. Cameron (Tesa) Brown of Birmingham, AL and Kimberly (Larry) Robinson, of Acworth, GA. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Darius (Nadia) Brown, Kayla Crayton, Javion Wilson, Isaiah Wilson, Tameron Brown, Madison Brown, Ajaye Robinson and Chancellor Bowie. Her Great Grand- children, Gracie Brown, Amina Brown, and the newest members of the Brown family; the twins, Julius and Jasmine Brown. Rita has one brother, Kevin (Robin) Mckinney, and five sisters, Carol Estelle; Esther Mckinney; Yvette (Michael) Funderburg; Patricia Estelle; and Wanda (William) Pointer, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends and coworkers. We will definitely feel the loss of this sweet soul who always had a smile for everyone she met.

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