Janaira R. McKinney

Janaira Rose McKinney, of New Albany, Indiana passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023. Janaira was born in Louisville, Kentucky on July 27, 1978, to parents, Guy Wayne Plummer and Durenda (Cowell) Bartley. Janaira was a graduate of New Albany High School. She was the owner-operator of a local daycare business known as (Ms. Janaira’s Kidz Zone)

Janaira was known for her loyal and selfless heart. She was a mother to many, a sister to all, a counselor, a confidant, and a friend. Her family and the daycare were her life. She was in the family business, and as such, parents and children alike, grew and grew up Loving her. Anywhere Janaira traveled in New Albany, people called her by name. In her spare time, Janaira enjoyed playing bingo and was not only lucky at that but, in everything she touched. She loved the ocean and especially the beach and collecting seashells. Janaira was loved by many and will be missed by everyone who knew her and all the lives she touched daily.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Thomas R. Sr. and Mary Helen Cowell and Jerry Lee and Reba Plummer.

Janaira leaves behind her mother, Durenda Bartley (Kevin); father, Guy Wayne Plummer (Lisa Sieg); three children, son, Justin Ricketts (Megan Wise); daughters, Sierra Ricketts and Janasia Ricketts; two grandchildren, Ein “Bubby” Warnell, Serenity Rose Ricketts; brother, Keith Plummer (Lisa), sister Kelli Daily, niece, Madilyn Daily; nephews, Kristian and Hayden Plummer; as well as numerous aunts and uncles, and an astronomical number of cousins and loved ones.

A visitation for Janaira will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Rd, New Albany, Indiana 47150, followed by a funeral service at 7:00 PM.

Donations in Janaira’s memory may be made to Backpacks for Kids Foundation at www.backpackforkids.net.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraftfs.com for the McKinney family.

From her mother,

To my beautiful, caring daughter. She touched and helped so many people. Family, friends, co-workers, parents, and countless children. Christmas gifts for children who otherwise may not have had a Christmas, wedding reception for a friend, birthday parties, wonderful baby shower for Serenity, and many other occasions too numerous to mention. She volunteered for a couple summers as a teenager helping with our Veterans. Dressing up as “Bingo Granny” for one of our annual Halloween parties. Going to Palm Beach, just her and I for her 35th Birthday. She liked the Smoky Mountains. Planned our last two family vacations, the last being to Panama City, Florida in July where Justin proposed to Megan on the beach. She loved Florida, the ocean, walking on the beach looking for seashells, dolphins, and the warm sunshine. My heart is breaking. I will always miss her greatly, but I know she is at peace with our Lord.

Love, Mom