Josie C. Mckinney

Asheville - Josie Bell Craig McKinney, 88, died Monday October 4, 2004 at the Laurels of Greentree Ridge. A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late Charlie and Lena Craig and wife of the late Louis McKinney. She was also preceded in death by a son, Donald McKinney; son-in-law, Carroll Gillis; sister, Dollie Ledford; brothers, Horace, Clifford, Lewis and Charles Craig; granddaughter, Debbie Ritch; grandsons, Donald McKinney, Jr. and Billy McKinney and great great grandson, Jonathan Hyatt. Surviving are her son, Ted McKinney and Barbara; daughters, Barbara Gillis, Doris Rice and Gene and Nancy McElreath Ream and Gary all of Asheville; daughter-in-law, Dinah McKinney of Lenoir; sister, Evelyn Redmon of Asheville; brother, Franklin Craig of Fairview; 30 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon Saturday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home. With the Rev. Butch Stillwell officiating. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 11 to 12 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home and at other times at the homes of Doris Rice, 448 Onteora Blvd. and Ted McKinney, 84 Swannanoa Ave. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the Shriners Childrens Hospital or the Oasis Mountain Buggies both % Bill Smith, 43 Forest Hill Drive, Asheville, N.C. 28803. The family would like to extend the appreciation and deepest heart felt thanks to the staff of The Laurels of Green Tree Ridge and especially to the Nurses, CNAs, and the Housekeeping and Kitchen Staff, you will not be forgotten.