Betty M. Geddes

Betty Miller McKinney Geddes, 95, of Tappahannock, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Betty was born on November 2, 1929 and grew up on her beloved farm ‘Edgewood’ in King and Queen County. She had an idyllic childhood there with her parents and two older brothers, and later moved to Tappahannock where her father opened a general store. Betty received her BA from Lynchburg College where she met many special & lifelong friends. She married Roland Bruce Geddes and they enjoyed 66 happy years together, hosting tennis tournaments for friends, boating on the Rappahannock River, and traveling in the US and abroad.

Betty taught 4th grade in Essex County, Va, and was president of King & Queen Women’s Club. She was a member of the Historical Society of King & Queen County, and served on the board of Lynchburg College. She was a lifelong member and Deaconess at Smyrna Christian Church in Bruington, VA, where she also taught Sunday school and was a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship. Betty, known as ‘Meme’ to her great niece and nephew and their families, loved spending time with family. Traditions were important to her and she made every holiday special with large family gatherings and a special Christmas fruitcake. The tradition continues with her nieces.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Roland Bruce Geddes; parents, John Wesley McKinney & Bettie Hughes Crowe McKinney, her brothers Ray McKinney, Sr. & wife Lucy, and Edward McKinney & wife Jackie. She is survived by her nephew, Ray McKinney, Jr. & wife Landon of Raleigh, N.C., great-nephew John Wesley McKinney, III & wife Beth of Caret, Va, great-niece Elizabeth Landon McKinney Smith & husband William of Raleigh, NC and multiple great-great-nieces and nephews.

Special thanks are given to all the wonderful care-givers in Tappahannock, VA and The Hermitage, Richmond, VA, as well as Hospice Care. The family thanks you all for your kindness to our Meme.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Smyrna Christian Church, Bruington, Virginia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

If desired, a memorial contributions may be made to Smyrna Christian Church, 3655 Powcan Rd., Bruington, Va. 23023.