[nfb-talk] Iowa Mourns The Passing Of Priscilla Mckinley

[Michael D. Barber]

Good morning:  It is my very sad duty to let you know that Priscilla
Mckinley, one of our most devoted NFBI members and Old Capitol Chapter
President passed away sometime during the evening of December 11 while she
slept.
Priscilla, who has been a devoted Federationist for several years, won a
1996 NFB Scholarship and a 1998 tenBroek Fellow.  She received her Master of
Fine Arts degree in Creative Nonfiction Writing as well as a Ph.D. in
Language, Literature, and Culture from the University of Iowa.  She has
served twice as Chapter President of the Old Capitol Chapter as well as
serving several terms on the NFBI Board of Directors.  In October of 2004,
she wrote an article for THE BRAILLE MONITOR entitled, "Baby Steps, Long
Strides, And Elephant Seal Humps."  In this well-written article, she talks
about her early days as a blind person and her struggle against using the
long white cane.
 
At the 2000 convention of the National Federation of the Blind, Priscilla
received the NFB's Blind Educator of the Year Award.  She has also served as
First Vice-President of the NFB Teachers Division as well as having served
as Vice-President of the National Organization of Blind Educators.  
 
There can be no doubt that Priscilla was an exemplary Federationist and
someone we can all look up to as an example of a successful, confident, and
competent blind person.  I hope one day to be the kind of Federationist
Priscilla was during her life.  Priscilla's spirit will no doubt live on
through her chapter and through the National Federation of the Blind of
Iowa.
 
I do not have any information yet regarding the funeral arrangements.  As
soon as I do, I will pass those on to you.  Please keep Priscilla's family
and the members of the Old Capitol Chapter in your thoughts and prayers
during this difficult time.
 
Cordially,
Michael D. Barber, President
National Federation of the Blind of Iowa