BEREA — Inez Cass McKinney, “Mim,” beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, age 94, died peacefully with her family at her side Saturday, March 13, 2010, in Lexington. She fought a long and courageous battle with COPD. She was born August 26, 1915, in Rockcastle County. She was the daughter of the late Owen R. Cass and Lela Albright Cass. Inez was a long-time resident of Holly Hill Drive in Berea, Ky. She spent her most recent years at McCready Manor in Richmond, Ky, Tanbark Health Care Center in Lexington and Richmond Place Skilled Nursing Center in Lexington.

She received her teaching degree from Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College in 1938. She taught elementary school for 27 years in Rockcastle County, Richmond City and Berea City school systems. Aside from teaching, she and her family were in the motel business in Berea from 1954 until 2001.

She might have retired from teaching years ago, but she never quit loving children. She felt it was important for a teacher to share patience, love and understanding to students at a young age. For several students, she served as a role model for their own careers as teachers. Many former students wrote her “thank you” notes for the difference she made in their lives.

Mrs. McKinney’s love affair with her alma mater spanned several decades.

In September 1997, Mrs. McKinney established the Inez Cass McKinney Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Elementary Education to reward qualified elementary education majors from southern Madison County. Her legacy will touch many lives through the recipients and the students they will teach through her generous gift.

Mrs. McKinney was recognized as an EKU Pioneer, a special group of Eastern alumni who had graduated at least 50 years ago. In 1974, she was one of the 100 educators honored at EKU’s Centennial of Higher Education celebration. In 1998, she was inducted into Eastern Kentucky University’s prestigious Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

She was a member of First Christian Church in Berea for over 50 years, an honorary member of the Berea Progress Club, an honorary member of the Berea Younger Women’s Club, and the McKinney Bridge Club.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband, Cecil F. McKinney; and her brother, Lester R. Cass. Mrs. McKinney is survived by: her only daughter, Jane Cass McKinney Davidson (Robert) of Lexington; two special grandchildren, Laura Cass Davidson Carter (Thaddeus) of Lexington, and Scott A. Davidson (Audra) of Lexington; and two very special great-granddaughters, Emily Jane Carter and Sophia Cass Carter.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to all her caregivers in Richmond and Lexington who provided loving and compassionate care. They also wish to thank her very special doctor, Dr. John Borders of Lexington.

Funeral services for Mrs. McKinney will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at Davis & Powell Funeral Home in Berea with Dr. Glenn Birkett officiating. Interment will follow in Berea Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and after noon on Wednesday. Expressions of sympathy may be made to: Hospice of the Bluegrass or the donor’s favorite charity. www.davisandpowellfuneralhome.com