Promoted to Glory: Major Ann McKinney

Major Ann McKinney was Promoted to Glory on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the age of 83.

Ann Jane McKinney was born to William and June Hammond on July 11, 1939. She graduated from high school on June 1, 1957. She met the love of her life, Omer, and the couple were married on January 7, 1954.

Leaving their home corps in Charleston (Oakland), West Virginia, the McKinneys entered the training college in Atlanta, Georgia as members of the Courageous session and were commissioned on May 26, 1958.

Corps appointments included: Richmond (Oregon Hill) and Fredericksburg, Virginia; Welch, Morgantown and Martinsburg, West Virginia; Alexandria, Louisiana; and Mobile, Alabama. They later served as area commanders in New Orleans, Louisiana; Jacksonville, Florida; Shreveport, Louisiana (as city coordinates); West Palm Beach, Florida; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Their final appointment was to headquarters as territorial evangelists, retiring on April 1, 2001. Together they spent their entire adult lives working in the service of our Lord as Salvation Army officers.

Majors Ann and Omer McKinney were married for 53 years until his Promotion to Glory on November 29, 2007.

Major Ann particularly loved Christmas and dedicated herself to make certain every person brought to her attention would feel the warmth of Christ's presence with a hot meal, a toy for a child, clean clothes, and a safe place to sleep for those who were homeless. She also loved her ministry to residents in nursing homes.

The major was quick to approach complete strangers with words of encouragement or a compliment—anything that would bring joy to someone of any age.

In addition to her work as an officer, she is remembered as a great and fun mother, a fantastic cook, an enthusiastic traveler, and an avid gardener. She often drafted her sons to dig holes for her beloved roses.

Major Ann McKinney is preceded in death by her husband, Omer; her parents; and one son, William. She is survived by one daughter, Kathleen McKinney; and one son, Wesley McKinney.

A Celebration of Life service was held at the Atlanta Temple Corps at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 13, 2023. A graveside service followed at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia.