Florence Mcgee

Florence Josephine "Jo" Rice McGee, age 81, passed away on June 3, 2012, surrounded by her family. She was born in Union, SC, on May 30, 1931, to the late Frances W. and Lewis M. Rice. Jo married the Rev. Michael "Mike" Lewis McGee on May 21, 1952, and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. She completed her college degrees at Mars Hill College and Furman University and attended Southern Seminary with Mike until their first child (David) was born. Jo was a devoted wife and loving mother who thoroughly enjoyed being a pastor's wife. She was Mike's "church organist and soloist" during his 43 years as a pastor and in a number of his twelve interim pastorates. Together she and Mike raised their children to love the Lord, music, and people. Many people knew Jo as a trip planner and guide, as she lead church groups, friends and family on numerous trips to New England, the Amish Country in Pennsylvania and Ohio, Nova Scotia, and other locales she loved. She edited twelve cookbooks throughout the years and was an avid collector of cookbooks. A remarkable and talented knitter, Jo taught handwork to countless family members and friends. Without question, Jo was known and loved by her family, her many church families, and her Amish and Mennonite families in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Even throughout her illness, Jo's sweet spirit remained, her smile still radiating throughout the room and touching all present, especially doctors and nursing staff. She was so grateful for their care and told them so. Jo is survived by her husband Mike and their four children: David McGee and wife Ceil of Charlotte, NC; Cathy Schwartz and husband Jay of Greenville, SC; Sarah McGee-Lenth and husband Dave of Castalia, IA; and Carol Blair and husband Steven of Waynesboro, VA. In addition, she is survived by nine grandchildren: Jennifer (Aerrick) Steinwand, Drew Colton, Ally Colton, Sally (David) Mertens, Greg Schwartz, Jonas Lenth, Solas Lenth, Isaiah (Michelle) Blair and Aaron Blair, and six great-grandchildren: Marlee and Brycen Steinwand, Abigail and Madilyn Mertens, and Aleyah and Elijah Blair. She is also survived by her sister, Frances (Mike) Swaim and brother-in-law, Michael; nephew Corey Swaim and wife Jacqueline; great-nephews, Christian, McNeill, and Andrew; and her special sister-in-law Joan McGee of Walhalla. Jo will be sorely missed by her family and friends, but her spirit will live on through the lives she has impacted. She has fought the good fight and now rests in the arms of her Lord, Jesus Christ. We are thankful that she is at peace. Visitation will be 6:00-9:00 PM Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at Morningside Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Kirk H. Neely. A private family committal service will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Morningside Baptist Church, 897 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or Mobile Meals Service, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Florence Josephine "Jo" Rice McGee please visit our Sympathy Store.