Kathleen McSwain Kinley

Kathleen McSwain Kinley, age 96, of Bessemer City, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at The Greens at Lincolnton. She was born October 1, 1928, in Lincoln County to the late Oliver Victor and Elsie Black McSwain.

Kathleen was a lifelong member of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church. She loved sewing, crafting, and quilting. Kathleen also enjoyed canning, gardening, and flowers. She adored camping trips with her family, along with traveling and trips to Oak Island. 

In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Ernest Claude Kinley; son, Jerry Lee Kinley; brothers, O.V. McSwain, Jr., Paul McSwain, Jerome McSwain, Robert McSwain, and Jack McSwain; and sisters, Betty Farris, and Shelva Russ.

Survivors include her son, Boyce Kinley (Jody); daughter, Diane Smith (Darrell); grandchildren, Brenda Kinley Cunningham (Darrin), Brian Smith (Victoria), and Jason Smith (Megan); great-grandchildren, Chris Cunningham, Cheyenne Carlson (Lars), Johnathan Cunningham, Clyde Smith, Zoey Smith; sister, Pauline Watson (Melvin); numerous nieces and nephews; and her friend and roommate while at The Greens of Lincolnton, Loretta Hill.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff and caregivers of The Greens at Lincolnton and VIA Health Partners.

Mrs. Kinley will lie in state from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Carpenter-Porter Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Mount Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Robert Austin officiating. 

In lieu of flowers: Memorials may be made to Mt. Beulah Baptist Church – 5306 Dallas Cherryville Hwy, Bessemer City, NC 28016 or VIA Health Partners of Lincoln County – 900 Dontia Dr., Lincolnton, NC 28092. 

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com