Cheryl Jones McKinney, 74 of Hendersonville, TN passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Cheryl was born in Memphis, TN where she graduated from Whitehaven High School (’68). She went on to study at Memphis State University before transferring to Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Theater. There she met the love of her life, Dewayne “Mac” McKinney with his slick MGB.
After college, she became a disc jockey in Nashville for a local radio station, at which point she volunteered for the Miss Tennessee pageant and the Jaycee’s. Later, she taught at Beech Elementary School before becoming a Special Ed teacher at Beech High School, where she taught until she retired in 2005.
She was a dedicated member of Long Hollow Baptist Church for more than 30 years. She enjoyed making blankets for NICU babies, knitting scarves for the homeless, and always had a seat at her table and a hug for anyone who came to her home.
Of all of her accomplishments, Cheryl was most proud of her two beloved children, Dr. Bethany Froboese and Dr. Blake McKinney, as well as her four cherished grandchildren, Alex (16), JonMichael (13), Lily (12), and Eden (10).
Cheryl is survived and deeply missed by her husband Mac of 52 years, her children Beth McKinney Froboese (John) and Blake McKinney (Jennifer), along with her four grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother Audrey Jones, her brother Gary Jones (Vickie), her sister-in-law Lawanna St. Clair (Barry), and her brother-in-law Kevin McKinney (Karen), in addition to beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her father, Edward (Ned) Jones.
The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, April 6th from 3-5 p.m. at Sellars Funeral Home in Hendersonville. Funeral services will be at Sellars Funeral Home in Hendersonville, TN on Tuesday, April 8th at 1 pm with interment to follow at Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery on Long Hollow Pike.
Memorial gifts in memory of Cheryl can be made to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville, 108 Monthaven Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 37075, (615)265-8535, www.sellarsfh.com.
This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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