Phyllis Clair Byrd McKinney, 87, of Green Mountain, NC, entered into eternal rest, surrounded by her loved ones on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 13th, 2024. She was born on January 16, 1937, in Mitchell County to the late Charles Jefferson Byrd and Bertha Bailey Byrd of Green Mountain. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wayne McKinney, who passed away in 2018, and an infant granddaughter, Jenna Elaine Hughes, who passed away in 1986.
She was the epitome of an Appalachian mother, wife, and homemaker. She enjoyed reading, quilting, sewing, gardening, canning, working with her flowers, and cooking, while also sharing her vast knowledge of genealogy to others. Phyllis enjoyed taking care of her family and her close friends at the Yancey House of Burnsville. She also enjoyed sharing her talents with those she loved, and she considered helping and taking care of others her mission in life. She was of the Baptist faith, and she attended church as long as she was able. Phyllis ministered to others often at the Yancey House by offering comfort and guidance to her fellow residents, and she also read Bible stories to her roommate. She was known to do minor tailoring for staff and residents at the Yancey House, and she gave love and care to everyone, often doing without herself.
Surviving are her daughters Jean Garland (Charlie) of Arcadia, FL; Carol Hughes (Randy), and one son, Alan McKinney (Nikki), both of Green Mountain, NC. She is also survived by her granddaughters Cathryn Hughes-Barnett (Andre) of Burnsville, Carrie Hughes (Tommy) of Green Mountain, and Anna Smith (Cade) of Greeneville, TN. Lastly, she is survived by her treasured brother, James Byrd (Judy), of Burnsville; two nephews, Randy (Stephanie) of Green Mountain, and Jeff Byrd (Amanda) of Conway, SC. Several great nieces and nephews also survive.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life with us from 12:00-1:00, on Saturday, November 16th, at Holcombe Brothers Funeral home, with funeral services following from 1:00-2:00. Reverend Blaine Whitson will be officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery on Horton Hill Road. Pall bearers will be Andre’ Barnett, Tommy Hicks, Cade Smith, Randy Byrd, Larry (Pete) McKinney, and Tim McKinney. She will be laid to rest beside her loving husband, Wayne McKinney, to whom she was married for 61 years.
The family would like to say special thanks to Medi Home Hospice of Newland for their love, kindness and care of our mother. Another special thanks to all the staff at the Yancey House of Burnsville, for all their love, care, and patience they showed not only to Phyllis, but to her family as well.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon’s International which can be purchased through the funeral home.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the McKinney family.
