VINA, AL – Lula Darlene McKinney Abston, 87, passed away Friday, January 13, 2023 at her residence. She was born in Vina to Thurman and Mary Gates Davidson McKinney. She was a member of Vina First Baptist Church and a pastor’s wife for over 50 years. She always told her family and others to make sure you know the Lord and to always be kind to others. She worked in the banking industry for most of her life and was a member of the City Council for the Town of Vina for 16 years.
Funeral services will be Sunday, January 15, 2 p.m. at Vina First Baptist Church with Bro. Mark Daniel officiating. Burial will be Sparks Chapel Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by two daughters, Barbara Kay (Allen) and Lynette James (Jerry); one son, Billy Abston; eight grandchildren, Leslie Russell (Jason), Deanna Hester (Chris), Heather Schwartz (Meyer), Jill Abston (Heath), Neesha Pierce (Josh), Emily Hagood (Jon), Katie James (Mike) and Sara Gillentine (Joe); fifteen great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Abston Lamb (Clarence) and Gaynell McKinney and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Abston; her parents; her brothers, Houston McKinney and Zollie McKinney and one great-grandson, Drake Scott.
Pallbearers will be Jerry James, Allen Kay, Chris Hester, Jason Russell, Josh Pierce, Jon Hagood, Joe Gillentine, Kyser Jackson and Coby Jackson.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 14, 6-9 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL and she will lie-in-state, Sunday, January 15, 1-2 p.m. at Vina First Baptist Church.
