Esther Mary Mcgee

ESTHER MARY McGEE, 96; Passes on June 22, 2011; Living my life for the Lord has been my motto since I was young. My parents raised us in a Christian home, and my early teachings have carried me all the way through my life. I was the fourth of eight children born to my parents, Stephen T. and Emma Lewis. Poppa and Mamma didn't have much money, but they had wisdom, and a vision for our family. When I was born on July 29, 1914, my parents and my older siblings lived in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. But by the time I turned four we relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, which is where my youngest brother and sister were born. Indianapolis is where I spent the majority of my childhood through my young adult years. In 1943, I met my future husband, Mordecai Dunn McGee. After a three month courtship, we were married, and remained happily married for over 30 years. Brother Mack, as I affectionately called him, was a true man of God. We lived in Indianapolis, and then Zionsville, Indiana for a while, but then moved to San Francisco in 1955 where he was named pastor of Golden Gate Church of Christ Holiness. In January of 1961, Rev. Ezekiel Moore, who was the Founding Pastor of Glenville Church, moved his family to Compton, California. This led to the opportunity for Brother Mack to become pastor of Glenville. Later that same year in October, we moved to Cleveland, which became our home for the rest of our lives together. Brother Mack and I both dearly loved Glenville Church! He put his heart and soul into Glenville- building, painting, and making it a true monument for the Lord. And while he was doing the Lord's work through the church, I found ways to be a blessing to others. After my job as a supervisor at a glove factory, I realized my talents as a seamstress. I could sew! I made suits and garments that would shame some of today's finest dressmakers. And I could cook! Gingerbread was one of my specialties. Although we both dearly loved children, we were never blessed to have children of our own. But the Lord still saw fit for me to love and care for the children of many nieces, nephews, and friends. To them, I was just Aunt Esther. And I loved every minute of it! Many of these children, now grown with children of their own, have been part of my family over the years. After Brother Mack went to be with the Lord in the fall of 1973, I continued to love and care for children, make beautiful dolls, and spend time praising and loving the Lord. Well, I‘ve lived 96 years, and would have seen my 97th birthday in a few weeks, but the Lord has called me home, and I am ready to meet him! So I say to you all, not to worry about me, because God is good! To my sister Ruth, I love you, and thank you for all of your kindness and goodness. To my nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, continue to put God first in your lives. To all of my extended family, wonderful friends, and my beloved church, thank you for all of the years of goodness you have shown me. And I would like to give a special thanks to Brother and Sister Moore for opening your hearts and home to me, and Nedra, for your special friendship, and your caring and love for me . I love you all! Halleluiah! I'm happy to be home with my Lord and Savior, at last! SERVICES ON TUESDAY JUNE 28, 2011; WAKE 10:00 AM, FUNERAL 11:00 AM AT GLENVILLE CHURCH O CHRIST HOLINESS, U.S.A., 9009 Wade Park Avenue. Interment in Cleveland Memorial Gardens.