Carter Funeral Home

Obituary For Willie Lee McGhee

Carter Funeral Home humbly and honorably announces the peaceful transition of Mrs. Willie Lee McGhee, (110) of the Aberfoil Community Union Springs Alabama.

Mrs. McGhee, transitioned into eternity on January 12, 2022, while under the watchful care of her healthcare providers at the Baptist East Medical Center, Montgomery, AL.

Mrs. McGhee, known as a Founding Member of the Civil Rights Movement in Bullock County worked tirelessly advocating for social welfare to advance the wellbeing of her community. In addition to being a loving wife and mother while serving her community, Mrs. McGhee was a devoted member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Order of the Eastern Star, Democratic National Committee and was recognized as the Mother of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church where she also served as a Deaconess and Usher.

The Commemoration of Life will begin with a public visitation, Friday, January 21, 2022, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Carter Funeral Home. The Farewell Celebration at Graveside will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Cemetery, Union Springs, AL. Pastor Hawthorne Reed will deliver the message of triumph. The service will be live-streamed. (see clickable link below)

In accordance with recommended COVID-19 Protocols, all attendees are requested to utilize appropriate facial coverings, maintain social distancing, and minimize physical contact.

Willie Lee McGhee came as a blessing from God to the late William Calhoun and Dora Kendrick on October 30, 1911.

She confessed Christ as her Savior and joined the Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church where she served dutifully until her health begin to decline.

She was united in marriage to the late Benjamin F. McGhee and from that union five beautiful children were born.

Mrs. McGhee was born and raised in Union Springs and attended Aberfoil School. With little education available during her tender years, Mrs. McGhee was able to garner a myriad of informal education and training that afforded her opportunities to help advance others. She worked tirelessly and fiercely teaching children and adults to read and write, providing healthcare services and advocating for social welfare.

As a founding member of the Civil Rights Movement in Bullock County, she encouraged people of color to vote during a tumultuous time in our history. Through it all Mrs. McGhee persevered like she was taught to do by her parents. She knew in her heart that God was with her and would make a way to do what he called her to do.

In addition to being a loving wife and mother while serving her community, Mrs. McGhee was a devoted member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Order of the Eastern Star, Democratic National Committee and was recognized as the Mother of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church where she also served as a Deaconess and Usher.

Mrs. McGhee’s hobbies were many, but cooking, sewing gardening, fishing, and shopping were at the top of the list.

Because she never met a stranger, people learned of her spirit of hospitality, generosity, and wisdom.

On January 12, 2022, God gently whispered to our (Mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend) that her time on earth was done and he needed her to unite with her husband, Benjamin F. and three of their grandchildren, Berlin McGhee, Kenneth Jerome Jenkins and Karl Coleman in heaven.

As she accepted her heavenly wings, it was her devotion to family and a firm belief in God that gave her the peace to return to her heavenly home. Being ever faithful to his word, we can rest assured that she will hear the words, “Well done thy good and faithful servant”, Mark 25:23.

Memories of her loving character will be forever cherished by her children, Benjamin McGhee. Jr. (Callie), Octavia Coleman (Louis deceased), Mattie Jenkins (Jim Wakefield), Addie L. McGhee and William Otis McGhee (Donna); her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with The Final Life Celebration Arrangements for the late Mrs. Willie Lee McGhee.

Services

Guest Book

To the family of Mrs. Willie Lee McGhee, Susie Goodwin Smith and Joseph (Buck) Smith, offer our deepest sympathy. Mrs McGhee had been in our lives from childhood and she was a dear close friend of Our Mother Mrs. Annie Raybon Smith. They were the best if friends. They loved fishing together and visiting each other. They were like Sisters. We often heard them talking about life and how they enjoyed doing things together. They had a great relationship, that we admired and learned about having a great friend in your life. Their friendship was a Blessing. We would occasionally visit Mrs. McGhee, when we were home and she always remembered us and enjoyed telling us her memories of Annie and she would tell me, "Susie, I remember your Momma too." That made me feel good too. Mrs. McGhee was a generous, caring, and thoughtful, upbeat person. "Buck" and I have our own sweet memories of Mrs. McGhee. May God comfort you and give you peace. May He continue to keep you safe, protected, and in His loving care. Susie and Joseph "Buck" Smith, Alexandria, VA.

- Susie Goodwin Smith

My Deepest Sympthay to your family during this time!! I never personally had the privallage to meet her, but she will always hold a special place in my heart and I am greatful to have known her through hearing about her and her life,know one could make me a sweetpotatoe pie like her!!! She will be missed i pray for your family and all that loved her!!!🙏🙏

- Tina Mcnear Bates

Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences for the passing of your Grandmother. IVA & Hank Allen

- Iva C. Allen

My thoughts and prayers are with the family doing this time of grief, may their special memories bring comfort.

- Elizabeth

Thankful for a life well lived. One of a kind. Your services rendered will be a lifetime staple. Katie & family

- Katie Davis

Thank you for the confidence and kindness you have displayed by selecting us as your professional services provider. It is an honor to serve and support you. The Staff and Management of Carter Funeral Home

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My Sincere Condolences to the Family!!

- Cecelia Cogburn