Memorial trees planted for:

Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney

<p><iframe title="Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media" frameborder="0" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1066058037?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479"></iframe></p><p>Joseph Curtis McKinney departed this life on March 2, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born October 28, 1933, in Tallahassee, Florida, and was the eldest of two children born to the late Ruby and Albert McKinney.</p><p><br></p><p>Joseph graduated from Florida A & M High School in 1952. While matriculating at Florida A & M University (FAMU), he answered the call of the nation and served in the United States Army from 1956-1958 as a high-speed radio operator. Upon completing his tour of duty in Korea and being honorably discharged, he returned to FAMU and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy in 1959.</p><p><br></p><p>Joseph was an avid lover of jazz music and played percussion in a jazz trio. While performing in Savannah, Georgia, he met and fell in love with Dorothy Singleton. The two were married in 1960 and together raised three children - Dr. Rommell D. Bryant, De Andrea McKinney Peters, and Mark Curtis McKinney.</p><p><br></p><p>Joseph had a distinguished career in Agricultural Science. He became the first black field soil scientist hired below the Mason-Dixon Line by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service; he was also the first black to work in the field of agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia; the first black EEO Counselor of the Soil Conservation Service in Virginia; and, the first black District Conservationist in the history of Virginia. He spent close to 20 years at Virginia State University within the Department of Agriculture Research.</p><p><br></p><p>Joseph began his lifelong commitment to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity upon his initiation into Delta Omega Chapter in Petersburg, Virginia on May 29, 1977. Two days later, he was appointed as the Central Area II Supervisor for the fraternity, an office he held for 13 years. In 1980, he accepted the responsibility to become the Graduate Advisor for the Nu Psi Chapter at Virginia State University for a period of ten years. He was elected as Basileus of Delta Omega Chapter from1986-1990. From1993-1995, Joseph was elected the Third District Representative, with the distinction of serving as the first graduate-initiated fraternity member to hold this position within the district. Joseph was also elected for a second term as Basileus of the Delta Omega Chapter and served from1995-1999. Jospeh continued to serve in a myriad of roles in Delta Omega Chapter and in November 2019, he was awarded the title of Director of Public Relations, Emeritus.</p><p><br></p><p>He remained active in the Fraternity for more than 40 years. For his dedication and service, a room in Delta Omega’s Foundation Center has been named in his honor.</p><p>Joseph was baptized in the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida at an early age. After getting married, he became a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Petersburg, Virginia, which was his church home through the end of his life.</p><p><br></p><p>Joseph loved people, never met a stranger, and enjoyed assigning nicknames as a sign of endearment. He was quick-witted by nature and had a tremendous sense of humor with an infectious laugh. He loved good food, especially ripe bananas. His house was always full of love and laughter. He was cherished by all who knew him and will be forever in our hearts.</p><p><br></p><p>He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Singleton McKinney. He is survived by sisters Ann B. Wilson, who he affectionately called “Baby Sister,” and Annie Hinton (sister/1st cousin) of Tallahassee, Florida, and Emma Fountain (sister/1st cousin) of Atlanta, Georgia; three children – Dr. Rommell Bryant of Long Beach, California; De Andrea (Jerome) Peters of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Mark (Debbie) McKinney of Frederick, Maryland; four grandchildren, Camren and Casey McKinney, and Llogan and Delaney Peters; two nephews, Sekou Elzia (Lynn) and Carl Farrell, two nieces, Marsha (Sam) Nottage, and Carol Pye; Goddaughter, Annette (Jerry) Moore; and a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.</p><p><br></p><p>A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am, Saturday, March 15th, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 S Crater Road in Petersburg, Virginia. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 14 from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Petersburg Chapel.</p><p><br><br></p><p>Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Petersburg Chapel of Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., 804.732.7841.  www.blandfuneralhomes.com</p><p><br></p>

October 28, 1933 - March 2, 2025

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Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney

Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney

6 Trees have been planted in memory of Mr. Joseph McKinney.

Memorial Trees

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Anonymous

March 15, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

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Margo Bright Hall, M.Sc, Ph.D.

March 14, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney has been arranged by Margo Bright Hall, M.Sc, Ph.D.. Plant a tree

All of our love and support. A lifetime of family memories and joy!Always and ForeverThe Brights

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Kevin Woodhouse

March 14, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney has been arranged by Kevin Woodhouse. Plant a tree

My condolences to brother McKeinney's family. He was a great Omega Man.Bro. Kevin Woodhouse, Nu Psi 1975

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Your Cousins Saundra Kay and Brian Williams

March 12, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney has been arranged by Your Cousins Saundra Kay and Brian Williams. Plant a tree

We are sending love and heartfelt prayers for your peace and comfort. May the precious and joyful memories of JC be an abiding presence for you all..

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The Dykeman Family

March 12, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney has been arranged by The Dykeman Family. Plant a tree

May the love of friends and family carry you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

A

Anonymous

March 11, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Mr. Joseph Curtis McKinney has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Our Prayers are with you, behind every raining cloud the Sun is still shining.

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