Laura Elizabeth “Beth” Suggs McKinney of Cross City passed away Friday, Dec. 17 at her home. She was 49. Born in Lake City on September 10, 1955, Beth was a graduate of Branford High School and the University of Florida where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Education. Beth taught school for 28 years with 14 years being in Kindergarten. She wrote many grants for the school including the expansion playground equipment the kindergarten currently used. Beth was a past Anderson Elementary Teacher of the Year and listed in the Who’s Who in American Educators. Beth was an active member of the First United Methodist church where she taught children’s church and vacation bible school for many years.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Stan McKinney of Cross City; sons, Ashely McKinney, Jesse McKinney and Benjamin McKinney all of Gainesville; grandchild, Alexander McKinney of Gainesville; mother, Geneva Collins Suggs Bier of Branford; brothers, Kim Suggs and Kevin Suggs both of Branford; sisters, Amy Fletcher of O’Brien and Cheryl Brantley of Perry.

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cross City with Rev. Howard Grimmenga officiating. Burial will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery, Branford. A visitation was held Sunday afternoon between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements were under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home, Cross City.