“…all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”-Psalm 139:16

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Leravena “Ninkey” McCarty, 65, loving wife and mother, passed away with her family around her on September 1, right into the arms of Jesus.
She was a graduate of Appalachia High School and Clinch Valley College and enjoyed a 20+ year teaching career at Union Primary School. As a long time, dedicated member of East Stone Gap United Methodist Church, Ninkey served in many areas over the years: praise and worship, children’s church, hospitality, and women’s ministry.
She was preceded in death by her parents, VJ and Beatrice Lawson and 3 siblings: John Lawson, Shirla Ackley, and Debbie Cooke.
Ninkey is survived by her college sweetheart and husband of 45 years, Jack, two daughters, Leah (Michael) Bowman, and Callie (Corey) Presley; grandchildren Kade Bowman, Luke Bowman, Grace Bowman, Maizie Presley, and Carter Presley; brother Jim (Lois) Lawson; brother Joe (Vickie) Lawson; and many other family members and friends.
The family will receive friends 4:00pm – 6:00pm Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, at the East Stone Gap United Methodist Church. The service will follow at 6:00pm with Rev. Jake Herron, Rev. Joe Green, Rev. Norman Clark and Earl Mumpower officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted 11:00am Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. The family and friends are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home by 10:20am to go in procession.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the McCarty family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.