Mrs. Sharla Freeman McGee

Sharla Freeman McGee, wife of Milton Stephen McGee, Jr., passed away on December 16, 2025, after a full and meaningful life. She was born on December 14,1948, to Willie Mae and Wayne Freeman in Henderson, Texas. Sharla was raised in Henderson and graduated from Henderson High School in 1967. She went on to attend Baylor University, where she continued to grow in her interests, studies, and faith.

During her time at Baylor, Sharla met Milton. After both Sharla and Milton completed their undergraduate degrees, they married in May of 1971, just one day after graduating. This was the beginning of a devoted partnership that carried them throughout the rest of their lives together.

Sharla spent her career as an elementary school teacher, known for her dedication to developing students' passion for learning. She began her teaching career in Rayville, Louisiana, just outside of Monroe where she and Milton lived. Sharla went on to teach at John L. Ory School in Laplace, Louisiana while she and Milton resided in New Orleans. Sharla's last teaching role, lasting for 17 years, was spent working for Henderson ISD in the Gifted and Talented program. As a life-long learner herself, she took pleasure in teaching students to apply their curiosity to learning about new topics.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and committed to her family. Sharla enjoyed the time they spent together, especially at their ranch in Central Texas-a place filled with memories, traditions, and the joy of being together. Family remained at the center of her life, and she cared for them by preparing special family recipes and sharing fascinating facts and stories. In her free time, Sharla enjoyed solving Sudoku puzzles and, as a lifelong reader, she was often found with a book in hand.

Sharla was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Henderson, where she served and remained committed to her faith and community. Her Bible study group was a longtime source of friendship and support.

She is survived by her husband, Milton Stephen McGee, Jr.; her son Trey, his wife Jennifer, and their children Meredith and Peter of Nashville, Tennessee; and her son Derek, his wife Kathryn, and their sons Mills and Marshall of Austin, Texas.

A celebration of Mrs. McGee's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025, at First Baptist Church with Dr. David Higgs officiating. The family will receive friends following the service on Friday, in the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church. A private family burial will be held under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Henderson Children's Ministry. The address is 207 W. Main Street, Henderson, Texas 75654.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.