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Patsy McGahey Obituary
A longtime resident of Columbus, Patsy McDade McGahey died Saturday, December 3, 2016 at her home.
Born on December 17, 1927, in Jackson, Mississippi to James Barney McDade and Addie O’Neal McDade, Patsy spent her young life in South Mississippi and New Orleans.She attended Mississippi State College for Women, graduating with a degree in Speech and Drama in 1950. Patsy worked as a spokesperson and advertising model for WCBI early in her career. It was in Columbus that she met her husband, Thomas Arthur “Son” McGahey, Jr. They married in 1951 and started their family shortly thereafter.
Patsy was a dedicated volunteer and active in a number of local charity and philanthropic organizations. She was a Life member of Junior Auxiliary, a MSCW Golden Girl, a member of the Northeast Mississippi Delta Gamma Alumnae chapter and a lifetime member of the Magnolia Garden Club. An avid sports fan, Patsy enjoyed supporting her favorite teams: The University of Alabama, Mississippi State University (given they weren’t playing Alabama) and the Heritage Academy Patriots.
Patsy’s greatest passion in life was her family. Known as Mama Dear by all those that adored her, she was actively involved in the lives of her children, eleven grandchildren and their friends. Mama Dear is survived by three children: Sunny Whitaker (Tom ), of Columbus, MS, Tommy McGahey (Lila) of Birmingham, AL and Jem McGahey (Evelyn) of Memphis, TN; eleven grandchildren: Evans Dawson (Eric), Allison Whitaker, Robert Whitaker (Macaulay), Liz Holley (Tom), Griffin McGahey (Jennifer), Marion Marx (Edgar), Betsy Sights (Matt), Simmons McGahey, Marshall McGahey, Thomas McGahey, Patsy McGahey and eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her devoted caregiver and friend, Josephine “Jo” Roland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband T.A. " Son" McGahey, her son Thomas " Arthur" McGahey, III, and daughter Patsy Wood McGahey.
Graveside services will be Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Friendship Cemetery. Visitation was Monday, December 5, 2016 at Memorial Funeral Home from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Pallbearers will be Robert Whitaker, Eric Dawson, Griffin McGahey, Tom Holley, Edgar Marx, Thomas McGahey, Matt Sights and Thomas Fitzner. Honorary pallbearers will be Benny Colvin, Don Wingo, Keith Hankins, Dr. Jack Reed, Sammy Platt, Floyd McIntyre, Andy Naugle, Bill Lott and Jody Kennedy.
Memorials may be made to the Heritage Academy Martha Claire Kennedy Fitzner Memorial Fund, 625 Magnolia Lane, Columbus, MS 39705.
Julia Taylor McCleve
November 28, 2019
Momma Dear is one icon to all my family! When Arthur and Martha (my sister) married, life became a daring adventure because we all ALL got Momma Dear! Our mother passed away when all my children were young, so they didn't have a grandmother until Momma Dear, and she was THE BEST! She had the biggest heart, and it was many years later until they found out that they had "been adopted". Lee Wil Amanda and Ashley could hardly contain their excitement when Momma Dear came to Arizona, and my children and I often were invited to visit. One year Momma Dear called Amanda and asked her if she would like to be in the yearly Pilgrimage. Amanda, who was nine years old, was too excited to be scared, and Momma Dear met her up in Memphis. We have the most beautiful pictures of Amanda sitting on a beautiful, (I think it was Mrs. Murphy's)lawn in a GORGEOUS blue dress, covered in covered with pink roses, scalloped hem and yards of Momma Dear had made for her. And this is only one of dozens of stories I could tell. Momma Dear when you left ALL of us, it was so sad, and there will always be a spot in mine where I wept for one of the most kind, giving and loving iconic woman I've known. We will always love Momma Dear!
December 5, 2016
Sunny, Tommy & Jem,
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. We have very special memories as she was so helpful & fun during our high school days. She will always be a favorite of ours, and such an outstanding member of our entire community....she will be missed!
Becki Propst Vassar
bayard erb
December 5, 2016
Jem - Proud to have known your Mom. She was a special Lady!
Melanie C.
December 5, 2016
to the family of Mama Dear: many of you do not know me, but i was a member of Allison's social club. I will never forget how Mama Dear opened her home and her arms to us, and made us feel loved and welcome, no matter who we were, or where we came from. She still features in stories I tell from college to my friends, these almost 20 years later. Know that she is remembered fondly, even by those who are long moved away. She was indeed a very special woman.
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Nancy Harper
December 4, 2016
Dear Sunny and family,
Mama Dear was a special person. Always enjoyed seeing her when she had a delivery. She was so kind to everyone she met. She will be missed.
Julia McCleve
December 4, 2016
Mama Dear and family ~ our entire AZ family sends love and sympathy to your family. Her visits to Arizona were a thrill to all of us especially the children. Amanda LOVED getting to to Pilgrimage with her. She will always be in out hearts and prayers and special memories.
Jerry Younger
December 4, 2016
Tommy & family, so sorry for your loss ... She was a kind & Special Lady ..
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716 2ND AVENUE NORTH, Columbus, MS 39701
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