Juanita M. McGee

Juanita M. McGee, only 13 days shy of 100 years young, passed from this world back into the loving arms of her beloved husband, D. P. and into the presence of her Lord and Savior on 29th June 2024 at her home.
Juanita was born in Camden, TN on July 12, 1924, to Irvin and Gussie Irene (Brewer) Weatherly. Later the family moved to the small town of Mayfield, KY where, in 1942, she met the one and only love of her life, Delmus Prince McGee (D.P.) at the local soda fountain where he was a "soda jerk". After a brief courtship, D.P. joined the Air Force, where he became an aerial photographer during WWII. Six months later he sent for her, and she traveled to Denver, Colorado, where he was stationed, and they were married. They were separated by the war for three years during which time Juanita trained to be a hairdresser.
After D.P.'s homecoming and their return to Mayfield, they welcomed a son, Mike, after only 10 months. Six years later they welcomed their second son Stephen (Steve).
Soon after Steve's birth, the family left their Southern roots and moved to the big city of Detroit where D.P. would help to operate his brother's restaurant and Juanita, "Nita", would be a stay-at-home mom to their two boys.
After only 38 years of marriage, tragedy struck when D.P passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the early age of 58. Being a strong Southern woman, she did not let the pain of losing D. P. overcome her life. She filled her time with church activities, her family and a close group of friends who called themselves the "Golden Girls". Juanita began working at the nursery school at the CrossPoint Church in Clinton Township, MI, where she and D.P. had faithfully attended for many years. She not only spread Christian love to these children but also to her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she lovingly cared for regularly in her home. Her sweet spirit was spread among all who encountered her. No matter if serving as the "Sunshine Lady" at the church where she was a member for over 70 years, greeting people as they came through the doors, among her own family or strangers she met on the street. She never uttered an unkind word about anyone and accepted everyone at face value without judgement.
During the last five years of her life, Juanita decided to be confined to her apartment, which she called her "happy place". Always a class act, she bore the iniquities of the aged, pain, loneliness and loss with quiet dignity and few complaints. Her Southern roots prevailed as she never lost her fondness for cornbread, beans and buttermilk. Her happiest times in life were when surrounded by family and friends.
Even in confinement she managed to spread the love of Jesus Christ through her words and actions. As the natural process of life took over, she required many outside caregivers and she never failed to teach them about the love of our Father, Jesus Christ. Juanita was a catalyst for bringing each of them closer to their Savior. The family owes deep gratitude to Stella, Jackie, Judy, Amber, Theda, Dani and extended family member, Nancy. We are so thankful that God sent each of you to care for our mother, Gee Gee, or Ya Ya, as she was known to us.
Left to mourn the loss and celebrate her reuniting with D.P and the receiving of her many Heavenly crowns are her loving sons, Michael (Mary) of Clinton Township, MI and Steve (Donna) of Mayfield, KY. Her beloved grandchildren Jennifer (Jeff) Oleksiak, Michael (Kari) McGee, Todd (Vanessa) McGee, Josh (Rachael) McGee, and bonus granddaughter Ashlynne (Robert) Alvarez. Great-grandchildren Joshua, Jessica, Matthew, Caitlyn, Micayla, Morgan, Nicolas, and Lauren. She also leaves behind a brother, Irvin Jr. "Butch" Weatherly of Gilbertsville, Kentucky and one sister Carolyn Furton of Melbourne, Florida. As well as many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her were her parents, loving husband D.P. McGee, and one sister Luveta "Veta" Jackson.
A brief visitation will be held at Harold W. Vick Funeral Home in Mount Clemens, MI on Sunday, July 7th, 2024, from 12 noon until 1:00 pm the time of services. Burial will take place on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Christian Memorial Cemetery in Rochester Hills, MI.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be addressed to Cross Pointe Church, 44000 North Ave., Clinton Twp., MI 48036.
The family would be amiss in not quoting Juanita's (Gee Gee's, Ya Ya's) favorite verse: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 and telling you that Jesus loves you no matter your situation.