Alda Gambill Perkins McKinney died at her home on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, after an extended illness. She was born September 1, 1922, in Ashe County, along with her twin sister, Melba, to Dr. and Mrs. J.C. Gambill. Seven other siblings preceded her in death. Alda is survived by her sister, Melba Miller and a sister-in-law, Sharon Gambill, of West Jefferson; several nieces and nephews. Alda's first husband, Paul A. Perkins, died in 1982. Alda was very involved in the life of the Baldwin Community where she and Paul lived and she was also a great help to him in his position as Principal of Nathan's Creek School until his retirement and subsequent death. They had no children. Bethany United Methodist Church was central to Alda's life in the Baldwin Community where she continued to live until her death. She taught Sunday's School there for years, kept the books for the parsonage, housed Duke divinity students who interned at Bethany, and made sure lovely flowers from her bountiful garden decorated the altar. She was the consummate hostess to the end her door. She also volunteered for years at Ashe Memorial Hospital, Jefferson, NC. Golf was a favorite sport and when Alda was no longer able to play, she followed the game on TV, enjoying it to the end of her days. After many years of widowhood, she met and married Ray McKinney of Tappahannock, Virginia. They were very happy dividing their time between his lovely home on the Tappahannock River in Virginia and Alda's home in Baldwin until Ray's death. Alda maintained close ties with Ray's family long as she lived as she was very fond of them. While Alda had no Children of her own, She followed the lives of all her many nieces and nephews; being very proud of each and every one. Special thanks go to her wonderful caregivers: Mary Houck, Barbara Royal and Wanda Austin and to Ashe County Hospice for their excellent care. A memorial service for Alda Perkins McKinney will be held Bethany United Methodist Church at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 30, 2014. Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be made to: Bethany United Methodist Church, 519 NC Hwy. 194 South, West Jefferson, NC 28694 or to Medi Home Hospice, PO box 421, Jefferson, NC 28640.