Maria Danielle McKinney

Maria Danielle McKinney, 43, of Marion, passed away early Saturday morning, November 1, 2025.

She was born in Rutherford County on June 2, 1982. Maria dedicated over 20 years to her career as a registered nurse, having graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lenoir Rhyne University. She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her outgoing personality that brought light and laughter to the lives of others. Maria also had a deep love and concern for animals.

She cherished her family above all else. Maria was a loving and devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and companion to her beloved Josh. The bonds she created and nurtured with her family were her proudest achievements. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Maria was preceded in death by her father, Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr.; paternal grandfather, Robert Lawrence McKinney, Sr.; paternal grandmother, Estelle Allman; and maternal grandfather, David Pittman.

Those left to cherish her memory include the love of her life, Josh Helton; her mother, Debra Ann Pittman; four children, Alyssa Hensley (Landon), Troy Wyatt Hendley, Willow Bree Hendley, and Laurel Raine Hendley; her brother, Jamie McKinney (Brooke); her sister, Brandy Greene (Kenneth); a special nephew, Aaron Lonon; and her maternal grandmother, Lois Pittman.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Bruce Ward officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gift certificates for Maria’s younger children would be appreciated and may be sent in care of 802 Stacy Hill Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752.