Ms. Gina Ann McKinney

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gina McKinney, age 60, of Athens, Georgia (South Jackson), on June 7, 2026. Gina passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of faith, strength, kindness, and love that will be cherished by all who knew her. 

Gina was the beloved daughter of Betty McKinney and the late Aaron McKinney. She was a proud graduate of Jefferson High School, Class of 1984, and was Miss JHS  and went on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Food Science from the University of Georgia. Her passion for learning and helping others led her to a career she truly loved. She dedicated her professional life to food science research, focusing primarily on meat quality and working alongside students and professors at UGA. She remained a valued member of the University of Georgia community for more than 25 years.

While Gina was proud of her education and career, the things that brought her the most joy were much simpler. She loved being outdoors and could often be found swimming, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, gardening, or simply enjoying God’s creation. One of her favorite accomplishments was completing an overnight hike to Mount LeConte in North Carolina. She found happiness in growing flowers and vegetables and was always happiest when she was active and surrounded by nature. Gina also had a special love for animals and devoted much of her time to caring for her beloved llamas, alpacas, donkeys, and cats. She treasured the companionship they brought her and took great pride in caring for them each day. Her animals were not just pets—they were family, and caring for them was one of her greatest joys.

Above all else, Gina loved the Lord. Her faith guided every aspect of her life and carried her through both joyful and difficult seasons. She was a longtime member of Union Christian Church in Watkinsville, where she faithfully served as a pianist while attending the University of Georgia and remained devoted to her church family for over 40 years. Her love for God was evident in the way she lived, served others, and cared for those around her.

Those who knew Gina knew her as someone who was determined, hardworking, and full of quiet strength. She approached life with grace and perseverance. Even in the face of cancer, she never stopped fighting. She met every challenge with courage, dignity, and unwavering faith, inspiring those around her until the very end.

Gina is survived by her loving mother, Betty McKinney; her brothers, Randy (Lynn) McKinney and Scott McKinney; her nieces and nephews, Madyson McKinney, Morgan (Jim) Bailey, Maverick (Taylor) McKinney, Sydney Roberts, Gracyn McKinney, and Knox McKinney; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Sophie Bailey, Murphy McKinney, and Elijah McKinney.  A special friend and caregiver Tammy McKinney. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Aaron McKinney.

Gina’s family finds comfort in knowing that she is now healed and at peace in the presence of her Savior. While she will be deeply missed, her love, faith, and example will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. We will remember her for her gentle spirit, her unwavering devotion to family and faith, and the countless ways she made the world a better place simply by being in it.

We are incredibly honored to be celebrating Gina’s homegoing services on  Tuesday, June 9 at Chapman Hill Farms, 1960 Jett Roberts Road, Jefferson, GA 30549. 

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at Galilee Christian Church immediately follow.

Visitation & Funeral Service:

Chapman Hill Wedding & Events

1960 Jett Roberts Rd.

Jefferson, GA 30549

Graveside Service:

Galilee Christian Church

2191 Galilee Church Rd.

Jefferson, GA 30549

Pallbearers will be Knox McKinney, Maverick McKinney, Jim Bailey, Russ Thomas, Manley Kiser, and Ralph Davis

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23 ❤️

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Union Christian Church Music Program in Watkinsville, Georgia, in honor of Gina’s lifelong faith and dedication to her church family. 

Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.  706-367-5467       

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Gina Ann McKinney, please visit our floral store.