On July 30, 2026, our beloved mother, Jo Anna (McKinney) Allen, 82, of Greenhill, Alabama passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She lived a life rooted in faith, devoted to her family, and in service to others. Jo Anna was a woman of unwavering belief and trust in the Lord that shone through every aspect of her life. She was a member of the Shiloh Church of Christ where she taught ladies and children bible classes for more than twenty-five years. She found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and peace in the promises of eternal life. Jo Anna was born on October 25, 1943 to Charlie and Mary McKinney in St. Joseph, Tennessee. She grew up primarily in Zip City surrounded by her large family of 10 siblings. She attended Wilson and Central schools. Jo Anna’s black dress and red heels caught the eye of Travis Allen. They dated for two years and married on June 20,1964. Jo Anna and Travis maintained a loving marriage where they built their house in Greenhill and lived there together for 62 years. Their love for each other and love for adventure led them to travel to every state except 4 (because she refused to fly), and together they raised three children: Cam, April, and Kristy. Jo Anna was eventually promoted from mother to grandmother. Jo Anna delighted in her eleven grandchildren, many of whom she raised during their preschool years. That joy continued on as they grew into adults, witnessing their marriages and the births of 9 great-grandchildren. Her kitchen was the gathering place for Sunday dinners, holiday celebrations, and impromptu family meetings, as we eagerly anticipated her homemade chicken fingers, chicken stew, and chicken and dressing. Her hands produced beautiful sewn clothes and quilts, fresh cut flowers she grew in her yard, gardening/canning of many fruits, vegetables, and delicious jams. When the dishes were put away, her kitchen table yielded some pretty competitive rook playing! Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace knowing she has entered eternal glory with our Lord. Her life was a beautiful testament to faith, sacrifice, and love. Our family would like to thank Dr. Heather Brody and the wonderful Clearview Cancer staff, Hospice of North Alabama, her nieces, and church family who helped care for her. Preceded in death by: Parents: Charlie and Mary (Stutts) McKinney Sisters: Virginia Tate, Bonnie Lowe, Marjorie Franks, Mary McFall Brothers: Boyd McKinney, Fulton McKinney, Norman McKinney Grandchild: Colby Allen Survived by: Husband: Travis Allen Children: Cam Allen (Tammie), April Gwin (John), Kristy McCain (Mark) Grandchildren: Luke, Brianna, Logan, Lily, Parker, Lia, Ivy, Marianna, Landon, Lee Great-grandchildren: Maverick, Ezra, Joy, Aubrey, Lincoln, Riggs, LandonKlair, Eli, Hayes Sisters: Carolyn Hendrix and Wanda Gilchrist Brother: Don McKinney Loving extended family of nieces and nephews Visitation will be held Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 5:00PM until 7:00 pm. at Greenhill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 3, 2026 at 11:00AM at Shiloh Church of Christ with Miles Stutts and Brian Smith officiating. Body will lie in state from 10:00 am until time of service. Burial will follow at Shiloh Church of Christ Cemetery with Hoby Grace presiding. Pallbearers are Luke McCain, Logan Allen, Parker Gwin, Landon McCain, Lee McCain, Ben Crutcher, and Luke Crutcher.
