Mary Stephens McGehee

Mary Stephens McGehee - SAVANNAH - Mary S. McGehee, 90, passed away at Savannah Square on Friday, May 16, 2008. Born Mary Louise Stephens on January 30, 1918 in Gurdon, AR, she was the fifth child of Emma Cannon Stephens and Robert Stokley Stephens. She graduated from Gurdon High School and Henderson State Teachers College, in Arkadelphia, AR, and was voted Class Sweetheart at Henderson State in 1938. Mary completed a summer course at the Pasadena Play House in Pasadena, CA and later successfully auditioned for Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Mary taught for three years in Arkansas high schools. In February 1945, while working for the United States Army Air Corps, she married Lt. Richard McGehee of Macon, GA. They moved to Savannah in 1946 where they opened the Rock-a-Bye Diaper Service. This business was sold during the Korean Conflict when Richard was recalled to active duty with the Georgia Air National Guard. The family was located in Nashville for two years until the war's end before returning to Savannah. Upon returning in 1953, she assisted Richard in starting Georgia Export Packers and later GQF Manufacturing Co. During her years in Savannah Mary was associated with and a member of a number of religious, civic and social organizations. She was a charter member and past president of the Hibiscus Garden Club and a charter member of the Archeological Club and the Book Club. She was a former long time member of the Savannah Yacht Club and a recent member of the Savannah Golf Club where she had been an avid golfer. Mary was a member of P.E.O., Chapter L and served many years as a volunteer at Emmaus House. She was an active and faithful member of First Presbyterian Church on Washington Avenue for more than sixty years and a member and past president of the Presbyterian Women's organization. She was honored by the Women with an honorary Life Membership. Both Richard and Mary were active in prior years with Richard's participation in Savannah Jaycees. The two also traveled extensively to many places around the world. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2004. She is survived by her son Stephen and his wife Renee McGehee of Savannah, her daughter Angela McGehee and Mark Reigle of LaVeta, CO, grandchildren, April and Tyler Roe and Chase and Elizabeth McGehee of Savannah, great-grandchildren Magee, Olivia and Deacon Roe and Gabriel McGehee, and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service to celebrate Mary's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Stephen C. Williams officiating. The family will receive friends with a reception in Stewart Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests remembrances be made to First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave., Savannah, GA 31405. Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com . Savannah Morning News May 19, 2008 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .