Alberta Alice (Watts) McKinney, 95, of Alum Creek, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2026, after a long, beautiful life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Murrel McKinney, her parents, Albert and Essie Watts, her sisters Helena Matthews, Pauline Inman, and Chlorie Burns, as well as her grandson, Joseph Lovejoy. She is survived by her daughter, Pauletta Lovejoy of Alum Creek, and her sons Charles (Cindy) McKinney of Hamlin and David (Trena) McKinney of Alum Creek. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ray (Corrie) Lovejoy, Apphia McKinney, Gabriel (Erin) McKinney, Joel (Becky) McKinney, Tamika Summerfield, Davy McKinney, and Camdyn McKinney, along with 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. She also had many nephews, nieces, and cousins whom she loved.

As a lifelong wife and stay-at-home mother, she knew what it was to work hard, as she could be seen during the summer in the middle of a berry patch, picking beans, or canning the multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables that she would preserve every year. If any of us complained about having to work in those gardens, she would immediately put us in our place by referring to them as “blessings.”

She was an avid supporter of her children and grandchildren’s activities and would spend hours sitting at ballfields and other venues. She loved to sit and talk to us, completely engrossed in our stories, being a part of our lives, and sharing our adventures through our stories.

She was a servant of the Most High God and could be found singing hymns in her beautiful alto voice at the Griffithsville Church of Christ, where she was a member. She loved to sing and yodel, a skill at which she was very adept, and passed on that love of music to her children.

She touched so many lives in her lifetime. If she loved you, you were loved indeed. If you were ever hugged by her (which she loved doing), you experienced something special, because that was her thing and she was good at it. She lived her faith, and we will forever be blessed because of it.

Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV, will handle arrangements. Services will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm with Charles McKinney and David McKinney officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour before the service. Interment will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens.