Kinney, Betty Phillips
Betty Jane Kinney, 93 of Narrows, Virginia passed away peacefully at her home on January 31, 2024. Born in Matewan, WV on December 30, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Butler and Cora Phillips.
Betty and her husband, John Kinney Sr. Came to Giles County in 1954 and opened “Kinney’s Drive-in Restaurant” on Route 100 between Narrows and Pearisburg. Betty cooked food at the drive-in for the next 44 years until her and John Sr. retired in 1998. They made many friendships with customers during those years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Kinney Sr; three brothers; and three sisters.
Betty is survived by one son, John Kinney Jr and wife Eleanor of Narrows; a sister, Doris McGuffin of Oxford, Michigan; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Angela Wilson and Becca Fleshman who helped with Betty’s care at home; and her loyal pet, “Miss Kitty” who was always at Betty’s side.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the “Giles County Bible Bus” (PO Box 401 Pearisburg, VA 24134); Protector and Paws (105 Harvey Street Pearisburg, VA); Animal Rescue Fund c/o Marilyn Hollie; and to consider making a donation to the waitress and cook of your local restaurant in Betty’s Memory. A memorial service for Betty will be held at a later time. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Kinney family.
February 2, 2024 @ 12:10 pm
I treasure the memories of Kinney’s Drive In and Betty Kinney, still the best hamburgers ever, cooked by Betty, served by John to the steamed up windows of cars full of teenagers making out in the parking lot. My wife, Luci, and I were regular customers in 1965 and 1966. Condolences to John Jr. and the entire Kinney family.
Mike Swope