Name: Visitation for Johnnie McGee-Ford
Start: 2016-03-18T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-03-19T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Guy & Allen Funeral Directors, Inc.

was born on July 17, 1954 to union of the late Elder Clarence McGee and the late Freddie Mae Tyler-McGee in Ruleville, Mississippi. Johnnie was a champion for education and graduated in the top ten of her high school and College graduating classes. She is a prestigious alumnus from Rust College and Delta State University. She served as a Special Education teacher for over 30 years educating scholars in Yazoo City, MS and West Helena, AR. Upon moving to Gary, IN to marry the love of her life, Arvee Ford, Jr., she began teaching for the Gary Community School Corporation. She taught thousands of students at Dunbar Pulaski Middle School and eventually retired from Roosevelt High School. Johnnie was extremely involved at her church, New Bethel Fellowship COGIC, as the nursery director, Sunday School teacher, and she also assisted with Vacation Bible School and Food Pantry. She never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with virtually anyone. Johnnie loved planting flowers and selling Mary Kay.On March 12, 2016 at 11:00pm, Johnnie transitioned into her heavenly home. She is preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, Margaret Rebecca, husband, Arvee, one brother, Charles McGee, and one sister, Lois Byrd. Johnnie's memory will be cherished by 4 sisters; Wiltha (Pastor Willie) Winfrey (Indianapolis, IN), Gloria (Jeff) Williams, Pearl (Elder James) Hairlson (both of Gary, IN), and Shirley (Karl) Fry (Memphis, TN) and 3 brothers; Clarence (Minnie) McGee (Merrillville, IN), Jesse (Joyce) McGee (Bartlett, TN) and Alonzo (Denise) McGee (Memphis, TN); 2 sister in laws, Joyce Bates (Birmingham, AL), Victoria Ford (Merrillville, IN) and one brother in law, Glenn Ford (Gary, IN) uncle; John McGee (Chicago, IL) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation Friday, March 18, 2016. 12:00pm-8:00pm with Family Hour from 6:00-7:00pm at Guy & Allen 2959 West 11th Ave Gary, IN. Homegoing Celebration, Saturday, March 19, 2016 Visitation 10:00am until funeral at 11:00 a.m. New Bethel Fellowship COGIC 110 West 43d Ave. Gary, IN. Pastor Kevin Warren is the eulogist.

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Published by Post-Tribune on Mar. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Johnnie McGee-Ford

12 Entries

Mona Briggs

April 6, 2023

Miss you much dear friend!
Mona Briggs

Betty Kendall-Mackey

March 10, 2022

Johnnie I will never forget you girl. I miss your infectious smile. Thank you for being in my life. Here it is March 2022. I am so glad I have pictures of you at mines and Johnny Gray's wedding reception at my mom and dads house in Poplar Grove, Arkansas.

Betty Kendall-Mackey

March 10, 2021

We had a great time in Marvell, Arkansas. We shared our birthday celebrations July 17th and 18th. Johnnie you will never be forgotten. You were a blessing. Continue to rest my sister in love. Here it is March 2021.

July 14, 2017

My heart is so heavy right now because I have been looking for my friend on and off for years. I met Johnnie and Selena Freeman around 1978 in Marvell, Arkansas where they both taught. I sang at Selena's wedding and Johnnie was the Maid of Honor. I will make this short, from practically around the country and back in Arkansas. I would like to make contact with anyone from either family. I will always love Johnnie McGee. She was a sister that I never had, you too Selena, wherever you are. I can be contacted at 870 816-8008. email [email protected]. My name was Betty Kendall when they met me. God Bless

Dorothy J. Bradley

May 21, 2016

To the family of Johnnie McGee-Ford,

I am so sorry to hear of Johnnie's passing. She was such a beautiful person and special friend of mine. We were Mary Kay sisters and I visited her a lot. We would often talk for extended periods of time during my visits. She never met a stranger and was a living example of a christian who exhibited love to everyone she came in contact with.

I am truly going to miss her.

Will Hargrove, Ret., GCSC

March 21, 2016

May the Lord bless the family of this wonderful lady. I am proud to have worked with her and to have considered her a friend.

I am so sorry for your loss.

patricia liddell

March 19, 2016

Thank you Johnnie Ruth for being a cousin and beautiful example of God's spirit on earth. Your kind, funny and humble spirit provided a light to so many others. I hope to one day see you again as the ancestors gather again.

Mona Briggs

March 17, 2016

My prayers are with Johnnie's family during this time of terrible loss. I became friends with Johnnie in the 1980's when we both worked in the Helena-West Helena School District. We remained in touch after she moved to Indiana through phone calls, cards, and letters. She was always so positive and caring. I remember
her laugh and lovely smile. She had such a huge loving heart. Her Godly spirit was evident in all she did. I will always miss her but I know she stepped out of her broken body where she had been trapped for so long and entered a perfect place in perfect health. I will see her again one day. I take comfort in that as does her family.

Gladys Turner

March 17, 2016

Johnnie was my neighbor. She was a very sweet person. We will really miss her. She had been ill for quite a while but she would still walk in the neighborhood. I am so sorry for your loss.

March 17, 2016

To the Family of Johnnie McGee Ford,

She fought an awesome fight, kept the faith,learned how to encourage herself and now rest safely in our Father's arms. Family, God loves you and will sustain you in the days ahead.
You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Jeannie M. Greer and Family