Vivian P. McKinney

Vivian B. McKinney of Myrtle Beach, SC passed away peacefully on January 5, 2021. She had happily celebrated her 100th birthday on December 28, 2020. Vivian was born in Beaufort County, SC, one  of three daughters of Emmett Lee (Judge) Priester and Maude P. Priester. She was predeceased by her sisters, Evelyn Crosby and Jane Hawkins.

Vivian attended Beaufort High School and Lander College and was a member of the Alpha Tau Sorority. After her marriage to Robert M. “Bob” Bennett and the birth of her two children, she was a substitute English and Math teacher in Rock Hill and Columbia, SC. Eventually, she continued her education at Columbia College and became certified to teach Special Education, which she did for many years. Her husband Bob was killed in an accident in Columbia and she eventually remarried Walter B. McKinney, a family friend of many years. During that time, she became the Manager of Finlay Fine Jewelry at Rich's in Columbia.

After Walter passed away and after the tragic death of Linda's son, Michael Nash, Vivian moved to North Myrtle Beach and finished a book she had been writing about Michael's life, Look At Me Now. No longer able to enjoy golf as she had in her younger years, she spent much time on the beach, at her book club or at one of her many bridge clubs.

In Columbia, she served as a Deacon at Kathwood Baptist Church. After moving to the beach and wanting to worship with her daughter, Linda, she joined Ocean Drive Presbyterian where she sang in the choir and participated in many other things.

Vivian is survived by her daughter, Linda Nash Given (Stan); her son, Robert M. Bennett, Jr. (Larri); her grandchildren, Kemp C. Nash (Tonya), Robert M. Bennett, Jr. (Veronica), Ashley B. Congdon (Russ), Jessica Sesma (Brian), & Alex Bennett; & her 7 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Michael B. Nash.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church. Social distancing and masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, 410-6th Ave. S., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

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