Dorothy Jean McKinney, 89 years, of West Unity passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Hillside Country Living, Bryan. Dorothy was born on May 5, 1931 in East Liverpool, Ohio, the daughter of the late Roy Earl and Elizabeth (Cline) Allison. Dorothy married William R. McKinney III on July 21, 1952 and he preceded her in death on November 12, 2001.
Dorothy graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1949. She then went onto business school while being a bookkeeper in East Liverpool. Along with her husband, William, she moved to Montpelier, Ohio in 1959. In 1962, they moved to West Unity with her primary duties as a housewife, and homemaker until 1974.
Dorothy then went to work in the cafeteria at Millcreek West Unity Schools for 20 years, until retiring in 1994. After retiring she continued her role as the secretary of the McKinney Clan Inc.
In her younger years, she enjoyed playing the violin with her two sisters at the Presbyterian Church in Downtown East Liverpool. Dorothy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in West Unity since 1963 and was involved with the First Presbyterian Women’s Association.
At one time Dorothy was an elder, and supported the Mini and the Master’s Mimes of the church. She was also an honorary member of the Omnibus Club, active and past president of the Williams County Mentally Handicapped Parents Association, and a member of the Williams County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
In 1982, Dorothy was named the Williams County “Mother of the Year” by Governor James Rhodes in recognition of her interest and dedication to the programs for the developmentally disabled persons.
Dorothy is survived by three sons, William “Bill” McKinney IV of West Unity, Kevin McKinney of West Unity, and Eric McKinney of West Unity; 12 grandchildren, Emily (Ergys) Drangu, Sarah, Lillian, William R. V, Madeline, Christian, Olivia, Beckett, Isaac, Allison, Faith and Benjamin McKinney; four great-grandchildren, Kallen, Ellia, Evalee, and Ezriel; one sister, Elizabeth J. Bigelow of Xenia, Ohio. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; Sister, Annetta Studer.
Visitation for Dorothy Jean McKinney will be held Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 11:00-1:00 p.m. at West Unity First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. North Street, West Unity. Funeral Services will be held Thursday beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Ric Beals officiating. Interment will take place in Floral Grove Cemetery, West Unity.
Due to the COVID-19 mandates, those attending services are asked to observe social distancing and must wear masks or facial coverings. If visiting at the church, please make your visit brief to allow all who desire to attend visitation the ability to do so.
The family asks those remembering Dorothy, to make memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of West Unity or the Special Olympics of Williams County.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com
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