Grace McKinney Parker Longmire

A native of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late William H. and Pantha Gaddy McKinney. She was preceded in death by the father of her children, William Porter Parker; by her second husband, Charles E. Longmire; and a sister, Mildred M. Gordon.

She was a 1943 graduate of Sand Hill High School and was an active organizer of her high school class reunions since 1963. She retired from Sky City Stores, Inc. in 1974. She was a geneologist and historian who spent her retirement years tracing and researching her McKinney, Shuford and Gaddy family histories. She spearheaded the McKinney family reunions and helped organize the Shuford family reunions. Her most enjoyable times were spent fishing and being with family and friends at Lake Douglas, TN.

She is survived by two daughters, Katherine P. Hensley and Roberta P. Taylor of Candler; a son, Gary M. Parker of Fairview; a brother, Paul D. McKinney of Fletcher; four grandchildren, Latisha Hensley Taylor, William Thomas Taylor, Jr., Daniel Aldon Taylor and Kelly Taylor Graham; 6 great-grandchildren, Courtney, Mitchell, Christopher, Aaron, Joseph and Hunter.

Graveside services will be 2:00 pm Monday at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory with her great nephew the Rev. Michael Carter officiating. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Her family will receive friends 6:30 - 8:30 pm Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.

To register on-line please go to “Funerals Scheduled” at www.grocefuneralhome.com.