From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
CRYSTAL DANITA PINKERTON (McKinney), 68, Vero Beach
1957 – 2026
CRYSTAL DANITA PINKERTON (McKinney), age 68, was born in Talledega, Alabama on June 3, 1957 and passed away the morning of May 14, 2026. She is preceded in death by Mary Alice McKinney (her mother), John Thompson (father), and Gregory Andre McKinney (older brother). Crystal was born and raised in Alabama; she graduated Talledega High School, joined the military, later took courses at University of South Carolina towards an Associates degree. Crystal moved to Vero Beach after retirement from a long career in medical administration, in order to care for her ailing mother.
Crystal loved the Lord and was a devoted believer. She highly revered her church family; both locally at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and previously at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Having a church home, where she could grow spiritually, attend and worship freely, give and serve the ministry was one of her greatest joys. She spoke highly and with great pride about her church, her pastor, her first lady, and her body of fellow believers. An annual highlight for her each year was actively recruiting for friends and family day. She served in the church, most notably as a member of the usher board and in the kitchen ministry.
Crystal lived life vigorously, most often on her own terms while having a genuine and consistent faith in the Lord. Crystals’ foundation of faith is undoubtedly the pillar of God’s grace that carried her through the most trying of times, troubled situations and recurrent medical circumstances. For 68 years, her story of survival was spirited, strong and unyielding; her endurance stands on its own merit.
Crystal Pinkerton was a Vietnam-era veteran of the United States Army and retired Civil Service. Crystal worked for more than 40 years at Veterans Medical Administration Centers in Columbia, SC, Louisville, KY, Fayetteville, NC and Minneapolis, Minnesota. In her late teenage years, Crystal enlisted into the Army in Ft. Campbell, KY and Ft. Jackson, SC. While married to James Pinkerton (deceased), during his tour of duty abroad, Crystal worked at Mannheim Military base in Berlin, Germany. She openly engaged the culture, learned the language, traveled extensively across Europe to the Soviet Union (USSR), the swiss alps, Austria, Paris, and London. While overseas in Germany, Crystal worked at the front office of her daughter’s elementary school and was diligent to check her daughter’s grades and conduct weekly with each teacher. In her spare time, she perfected a few great recipes from both Korean and Dutch neighbors.
Crystal is survived by her daughter Mariaha M. Dean & son-in law Korey S. Dean, Sr (MN); adult grandchildren Tianna Jarah McKinney (& fiance: Derrick Hardy, Jr) (AR); Tytist McKinney (& Eloise) Dean (NC); and Christoper Jordan Dean (LA); and bonus adult grandchildren Korey Dean, Jr (MN) and Celena R. Eamiguel (KY); and great-granddaughter Zara O. Hardy; bonus great-grandchildren Kyrie, Grayson, Malia, Avi, Nico; and great nephews; Jericho Garcia-Dean, Jaziah Garcia-Dean (MN). Crystal leaves behind a tribe of loving relatives: (Jerome &) Retired US Army Major Stephanie McKinney-Coutee; Chris (& Maureen) McKinney; Lorraine McKinney, (Pastor Terry &) Rev. Dr. Julia M. McMillan; (Retired US Army General &) Patricia McLeod; and the dearest of life-long friends: Denise (SC) Anthony “Tiny” & Theresa Robinson (AL), Tim Moore (MN), & Retired US Army Col. Tempie M. Evans (SC).
In memory of Crystal D. Pinkerton, plant a memorial tree, or volunteer at Sebastian, Florida National State Park.
With her first husband, the late Richard Coble, she had three children and devoted much of her young adulthood to community welfare and the arts. Toledoans will remember her as Nancy Coble, and as an extremely active leader and member of the Junior League, the United Appeal (precursor to United Way), the Toledo Museum of Art (where she was a docent), and many other local charitable and cultural organizations. She was also an accomplished musician, who played both six and twelve string guitars beautifully. Nancy and her friends could often be heard playing American and Celtic folk songs (especially anything recorded by Joan Baez, Judy Collins, and Bob Dylan).
At middle age, after her children were grown and following her divorce, Nancy found herself alone – but never adrift. Moves to New York City and then Vero Beach provided her with new friends and careers in real estate and retail. This led to meeting the love of her life, the brilliant and witty James
B. May. Nancy and Jim travelled the world together and, as always, enjoyed and nurtured many friends and family. They had 20 marvelous years together, and the children of both developed close bonds with their new step-parents. During this period, Nancy lost about a year fighting cancer, including radical surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In the end, she soundly beat cancer and lived happily ever after for another 25 years.
Nancy loved entertaining, and her homes in Ottawa Hills, Perrysburg Township, and Vero Beach were often filled with mirth, merriment, and scores of friends. The strength and longevity of her friendships were extraordinary, and she was always there for a friend in need. Any attempt to list all of Nancy’s close friends, past and present, would render this obituary unaffordable to her children and require The Blade to print a special edition. However, special mention should be made of her surviving best friends, Dora Crowther, Jayne Huggins, Jake Jacobus, and the incomparable Marie Caron, who cared for Nancy during her final years.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her dear brother, Arthur “Buck”; and her beloved Jim. Left behind to cherish her memory are her children, John (Karin) Coble, Kimberly (Richard) Barabé, and Peter Coble. She was very close with her son-in-law, Richard Barabé, with whom she shared the same birthday and many celebrations; and her daughter-in-law, Karin Coble, with whom she shared a memorable trip to the South of France. Nancy will be especially mourned by her grandchildren, Richard Coble and Owen Coble, with whom she adventured and created many happy memories during their youth. She will also be fondly remembered by her May step-children, to whom she was extremely close, Patricia (David) Thomsson, Peter (Aimee) May, Timothy (Ann) May, and Susan O’Byrne. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law and friend, Jutta Marquardt; and Buck and Jutta’s children, Lauren and Jeff. She is also survived by her many step-grandchildren, Ariana Samson, Kira Clarkson, Katherine Thomsson, Savanna May, Remy May, Allegra May, Slade May, Patrick May, and Denis O’Byrne; as well as her former daughter-in-law, Cynthia Rundquist.
The extraordinary Nancy May will be deeply missed by so many, but her family and friends are eternally grateful for her full and active life, and for the example she set for all of us. Nancy’s remains will rest beside her beloved Jim at Arlington National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home.
An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com
Renee Theresa Kierman, 95 years old, of Vero Beach, Florida, died peacefully on May 18th, 2026, with loving family by her side.
She was born on December 07th, 1930, in Ecuador to the late Guillermo Jaramillo and Maria Corina Ginocchio. Theresa graduated from High School in Ecuador.
She moved to USA in 1968. First to New Orleans. LA, later moving to New York City, NY, and from 1973 lived in Palisades Park, NJ until 2019 when she moved to Vero Beach, FL
Renee Theresa was highly active at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Palisades Park, NJ. She was part of the Church’s Choir and was involved in School and Bingo activities. She attended St Helen and St. John of the Cross Catholic Churches in Vero Beach, FL. Theresa was a devoted Bible reader and fan of EWTN Global Catholic Network.
Renee Theresa was the devoted wife of the late Anthony George Kierman and is survived by her son Edward Anthony and Grandsons from her late daughter Maria del Carmen. Her Grandsons, Eduardo Esteban, his wife Ramona; David Anthony, his wife Sarah, great-grandson James, great-granddaughter Lillian; Carlitos, his wife Brooke, great-grandson Zackary, great-granddaughter Aurora; Step grandson Jonathan, his wife Luisa, great granddaughters Sarah and Sophia. She is also survived by many nieces, especially Mary, Martha, Clemencia, Corina; nephews; other family members and many friends, including Patricia, Angela, Rose.
Theresita as she was known by family and close friends was a fun-loving lady, very embracing to all she met, always with a smile and willing to help, very generous and giving. She was liked and loved by all who got to know her. Her memories will remain alive with all that met her.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Following the visitation a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 2:00 pm at St John of the Cross Catholic Church, 7550 26th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32966.
For those who may not be able to attend the Mass in person, services will be live-streamed.
Please click the link below to view the services live on the day of the service:
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Americo Joseph Ramos, 82, Vero Beach
September 14, 1943 – May 18, 2026
Americo Joseph Ramos, 82 of Vero Beach passed away May 18, 2026 at his home.
“Ray” was a devoted husband who shared nearly 60 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Pat. Together they built a home filled with love, patience, and understanding. He was a proud father to three children David, Stephen, and Lisa. Ray’s family was the center of his world.
As a dedicated Papa, Ray found immense joy in spending time with his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to cheer them on and celebrate their accomplishments. Family gatherings were always his favorite occasions because they brought everyone together with good food and laughter.
Ray was known for his kindness and being a self-proclaimed “people person.” He was a man who was slow to anger, saw the best in everyone, and had a sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest day. He worked hard throughout his life and took pride in helping to provide for the people he loved.
Ray’s love and dedication will remain an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and unconditional love. His memory will continue to live on through his family and friends.
May he rest peacefully, forever remembered, and forever loved.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1PM, Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2000 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A Visitation for family and friends will follow from 3-6PM at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home,1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com
Peggy asked to be remembered for her deep and heartfelt devotion to children. She taught in Oreland, PA, Norfolk, VA and The Bala House Montessori School. She was an enthusiastic volunteer in her own children’s schools and served on the Women’s Board of the Children’s Aid Society of Pennsylvania and Norristown for 30 years. In addition, she was tremendously interested in antiques, leading to studies at Winterthur Museum, travels abroad and in the United States, and a successful and rewarding career as the proprietress of Colony Cottage Antiques. Peggy was also a devoted volunteer at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair from 1962, serving on various committees including the Women’s Board of Directors of the Country Fair. Peggy is fondly remembered by friends and family for her beautiful gardening, entertaining, and decorating skills which she inherited from her talented mother, and her flair for cooking from her father. Peggy and Dick were admired through the ages for their dancing prowess, starting at the Cheltenham high school hops and Phi Gam fraternity, and continuing at the Little Egg Harbour Yacht Club, Merion Cricket Club, Merion Golf Club and the Moorings Yacht and Country Club, where they were active members enjoying boating, tennis, and golf.
Peggy is survived by her husband, three children Detre Webster Tarbert, Richard Gill Webster Jr (Inge) and Peter Hubbard Brush Webster (Kate), five grandchildren Richard Gill Webster III (Sara), Katharina Webster Halsted (Max); Lee, Callie and Henry, and two great grandchildren Willa and Marshall. She is predeceased by her sister Ellin and survived by her sisters Cathy and Barbara.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mordecai Land Trust.
