Dr. Kathleen Huggard McKinney

Born in Flushing, New York, Kathleen led a remarkable life marked by a deep love for education, her students, and her family. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Stetson University, Class of 1967, where she also spent a transformative year in Germany through the “Junior Year Abroad” program. Dr. McKinney went on to achieve her Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University, a testament to her unwavering commitment to teaching and lifelong learning.

Throughout her life, Kathleen called many places home. After studying in Germany, she returned to Florida, where she built a house in Cocoa Beach in 1983 and resided there for nearly four decades. In 2020, she and her daughters relocated to Fernandina Beach, where she spent her final years surrounded by family and the coastal beauty she cherished.

Dr. McKinney’s passion for teaching shaped generations of young learners. She began her career at Tropical Elementary School, where she taught for 45 years before retiring in 2013. During her tenure, she inspired countless students through innovative and inclusive learning experiences—founding the school’s WTTT studio, building its computer lab, and pioneering international student collaborations through technology. She also coached the LEGO and robotics teams, taught languages, and embraced every opportunity to expand her students’ horizons. Her dedication and creativity earned her recognition as Florida Technology Teacher of the Year, an honor that reflected the profound impact of her work.

Even after retirement, Dr. McKinney continued to nurture future educators as a teaching professor for aspiring teachers at Grand Canyon University, ensuring her love of knowledge continued to ripple outward through her students.

Dr. McKinney had a lifelong passion for children. Her college friend, Bonnie Striker, fondly recalled Kathleen’s excitement as she completed adoption paperwork to adopt from China, eagerly awaiting approval. In 2001, she made her first trip to China to adopt Katherineann Zhu Huggard. Two years later, in 2003, she returned to adopt Emily Ying Huggard. Her daughters were her pride and joy. She cherished journaling their lives, celebrating their achievements, and watching them grow into the remarkable young women they are today. She also found joy in gardening and caring for her beloved cats. As a family, they treasured their visits to the Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World and the many happy memories shared at home.

Dr. McKinney was predeceased by her parents, Kathe Dorthea Straussmann Huggard and Edward J. Huggard. She leaves behind two devoted daughters, Emily Ying Huggard and Katherineann Zhu Huggard, who were her pride and joy. Emily and Katherineann wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Mayo Clinic, the compassionate physical therapists from Brooks Rehabilitation, and the caring team at Vitas Healthcare for their exceptional support and kindness during their mother’s final months.

A funeral service honoring the life of Dr. Kathleen Huggard-McKinney will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32953. Following the service, a procession will lead to Brevard Memorial Funeral Home, 5475 North U.S. Highway 1, Cocoa, FL 32927, for a graveside service at 2:00 P.M.

Dr. McKinney’s legacy of kindness, innovation, and dedication to education will continue to live on through every life she’s touched.