Mary Jane McGhee

Farrar Funeral Home, Jefferson City

Mary Jane Russell McGhee, a lifelong resident of East Tennessee, peacefully entered her eternal home with the Lord on Christmas morning at the age of 81. Her life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys found in nature, friendship, and family. Mary Jane was known for her love of all things nature. She had an eye for beauty and enjoyed photographing trees, barns, and the stunning landscapes of her beloved Tennessee. Her flowers she planted were where she nurtured life with the same care and tenderness she showed to everyone around her. Her cherished companion, Kitty the cat, was her constant source of joy and comfort. A devoted mother, Mary Jane found her greatest fulfillment in raising her children and sharing her unconditional love with them. She would proudly share stories about each of them, always accompanied by the latest pictures she had on hand. Her “gift for gab” made her unforgettable—she truly never met a stranger. Whether it was a neighbor, a coworker, or a fellow traveler, she collected friends with ease, treasuring each relationship like a precious keepsake. Her love extended deeply to her two grandsons, Jamie and Dougie who she called “Buzzy”. They brought immense joy to her life. She was their biggest cheerleader and loved every moment she spent with them, always sharing stories of their adventures and achievements with anyone who would listen. Her love for them was boundless and evident as her eyes lit up when she spoke of them. She worked at Dollywood, where she formed bonds with coworkers who became family to her and met friends from all over the country. These relationships endured long after she left the job, a testament to the love and warmth she shared with everyone she met. Her adventurous spirit and love for travel led her on many journeys, including numerous cruises and other memorable trips. She also stayed active in her community, gathering regularly with two cherished luncheon groups—one with a circle of dear women friends and another made up of members she met at cardiac rehab. A lifelong Christian, Mary Jane had an unwavering faith and no doubt about her place in eternity. Her life was a reflection of her love for the Lord, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace in His presence. Preceded in death by her father and mother, James Odell Russell and Mary Gladys Sharp Russell; infant brother, Marion Russell; and son, Gerald W. Terry, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Charles McGhee; daughters, Sandy Shiflet and Connie Craig; son, Russ (Vanessa) Craig; step-son, David (Cindy) McGhee; step-daughter, Karen (Mark) Quarles; step-grandchildren, Holli, Amy, Amanda and Hunter. She will be deeply missed by her family, countless friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Services to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Farrar Funeral Home with Rev. Sherry Franklin officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Family and friends will then proceed to McCampbells Chapel Cemetery for a graveside interment service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to McCampbells Chapel Church. Her legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. As she would have said, she’s just gone “home.”

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home, Jefferson City, TN