Jonsula Beck McKinney

Jonsula Beck “Jonnie” McKinney, 95, of Midland, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2012. Jonnie was born on July 16, 1917 in Sylvester, Texas to Ed. B. and Molie Beck. She graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1939. After graduating from college she taught school in Lueders, Texas, until she married her college sweetheart, Burns McKinney, on February 18, 1943. In 1946 they moved to Midland where she resided the rest of her life. She was a member at First Baptist Church of Midland from 1946 to the time of her death. Jonnie had many friends and was a loving mother devoted to her family. She taught her children and grandchildren the importance of education and instilled in them a love of books and reading. She was preceded in death by her husband, Burns McKinney; her brother, James B. Beck; and her sisters, Grace Beck Carothers, Shi Beck, and Rose Beck Simmons. She is survived by her son, Michael B. McKinney and wife Margie, of Midland; her daughter, Betsy McKinney Bechtold and husband Tom, of Houston; grandchildren, Burns McKinney and wife Barbara, of Dallas; Meredith M. Canon and husband Michael, of Midland; Laura Bechtold Herold and husband Michael, of Cypress; Eric Jackson Bechtold of San Diego, California; and great grandchildren Maggie and J.B. McKinney, Emma and Catherine Herold, and James Canon; and sister, Frances Eddie Harrison of Shamrock, Texas. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2012. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to her caregivers at Vogel Center and Younger Center in Manor Park, at Poppy’s Flowers, and at Hospice Midland. Memorials may be made to the Donor’s favorite charity.