Obituaries
Bettie Jean Laws-McKinney was born January 25, 1942 to the late Jimmie, Sr. and Emma Laws in Memphis, Tennessee. On June 12, 2019, God called her home to eternal peace.
Bettie Jean married Tommie Lee McKinney, Sr. and to this union was born seven children. Bettie was a domestic worker and a superior Home Healthcare Aide until she retired. Affectionately known by her family as “Bet Jean” and “Momma”, she was loved by many. Her real humble spirit and sense of humor was a “light that shined bright “to all.
In the neighborhood she was known as the candy lady. Her candy apples and pronto pups had everybody running to her house and she was also known as the “Barbecue Queen”. Her cakes, pies, “O MY GOODNESS” …Betty Crocker had to take a seat to Bettie McKinney.
Bettie Jean accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age and was baptized at Little Rock MB Church. She later joined “Pentecostal Temple COGIC” under the leadership of Bishop J. O. Patterson Sr. where she was an ordained Missionary and a faithful servant. In 2012, she joined Morning Star Church WWM faithfully serving on the “Mother’s Board” under Bishop W.A. Sesley. Later, Bettie became a member of Brown M. B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Bartholomew Orr. Bettie loved the Lord, her Family, her Pastor and her church with all of her heart. A very dear and near friend, prayer partner and sister, Mother Deloris Washington. They spent hours and hours praying together and for others. Bettie loved God and believed in him until her departure. Bettie Jean leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Tommie L. McKinney, Sr.; children, Easter Chalmers (Walter), Cynthia Word (Carl), Jackie McNeal (Martino) Robert L. McKinney (Emma), and Dorcas Benson (Fred). Her siblings: Lillie Barnes, Shirley McNeal, Jimmie Laws, Jr. (Gladys), and Irene Turner. A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bettie Jean is preceded in death by her parents: Jimmie Sr. and Emma Laws, Robert Laws (brother), Brenda K. Johnson (daughter) and Tommie L. McKinney, Jr. (son)
She will truly be missed by all and her sweet memories will be with us forever!!!
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
21
Jun
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Service
22
Jun
980 Stateline Rd East
Southaven, MS 38671
Cemetery Details
Location
5484 Hacks Cross Road
Memphis, TN 38125