Willa Dean S Kinney's Obituary
It is with immense sorrow, that we announce the passing of Willa “Dean” Kinney, our loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother, Meemaw, and friend. On May 6th, 2023, just 6 days before her 82nd birthday, she left this world after a short, yet challenging battle, with ALS. She was sleeping comfortably in her pajamas that she loved so much while surrounded by family that loves her and listening to her favorite music at her Granddaughters house in Claremore, Oklahoma. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, as Willa “Dean” Sweat, she moved to Arizona and then eventually, to Oklahoma in 1989, where she remained. Dean found a career at State Farm as a bookkeeper in the accounting department where she stayed for 28 years, until she retired in 2002. Dean married Wiley Joe Kinney and they created three beautiful children together.
Dean is survived by her children: David Kinney and Diana, and Lane Kinney. Grandchildren: Kellie and Steve Luttrell, David and Jessica Kinney, Tylor and Samantha Kinney, Ashley Kinney, and Nicole and KeyVon Harris. Great Grandchildren: Sam and Baleigh, Bryson, Jorja, Ashleigh and Jakkob, Cady, Lilah, Noah, Griffin, Riley, Darci, Kayla, and Xavier. Great Great Grandchild: Hudson James. Countless nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends that all loved her dearly. Dean is predeceased by her parents: William and Vivian Sweatt, daughter: Anita Kinney, siblings: Hoyt Sweatt, Loyt Sweatt, Doris Nabers Gartman, and Elna Pellos. Pets: Sam the bulldog, Presley the Yorkie, and Pete the Lhasa Apso. Dean loved her family unconditionally and was always there to listen when we needed it. She was a fiercely independent woman and taught her family to be the same way. She would do absolutely anything for any of us, and proved that countless times. She was an amazing story teller, had an infectious laugh, and was always the person you went to with news, good or bad. We will miss you more than we can ever say.
The Officiant for the funeral service is Carmen Lynn Nabers Griffin. Pallbearers are Steve, Tylor, Bryson, KeyVon, Jakkob, and Noah. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 11th, 2023 from 5:00-7:00pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home, 6500 S. 129th E. Ave. Broken Arrow, OK 74012. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on May 12th, 2023 from 3:00-4:00pm in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Floral Haven Cemetery.
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