Johnnie Mae McGhee

Ms. Johnnie Mae McGhee was born on January 11, 1950, to the late John T. and Pauline McGhee in Fostoria, Alabama. She peacefully transitioned from this life on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at her home in the presence of her family. Johnnie joined White Lily Baptist Church at the age of six. She attended the small country schools in Alabama until age fourteen, when her family relocated to Hartford, Connecticut, in June of 1964. Upon their arrival, they joined Old Ship of Zion Baptist Church, where Johnnie would remain a faithful and active member throughout her life. She attended Hartford Public High School and graduated with the Class of 1968. Soon after, she began her long and dedicated career at St. Francis Hospital, where she served for more than 40 years until her retirement in 2012. Johnnie was a devoted mother who provided lovingly for her sons, Keevis and Ke`Andre. She was deeply involved at Old Ship and cherished the fellowship of her church family. She had a passion for travel-whether cruising, taking train or bus tours with friends, enjoying family vacations and reunions, or journeying alone to visit loved ones in Alabama and Louisiana. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sons, Keevis and Ke`Andre McGhee of Hartford, CT; seven granddaughters: Keyla Himes of Travelers Rest, SC, Simaya McGhee, Amani Gardner-McGhee, Nevaeh McGhee, Kenadee McGhee, Trinity McGhee, and Semaj McGhee, all of Hartford, CT; two great-grandchildren of South Carolina; a loving sister, Julia (Walter) McConnell of Shreveport, LA; four brothers: Eddie (Linda) Rivers, Frank McGhee, Rogers McGhee, and John Lee McGhee, all of Hartford, CT; three nephews: Dwayne (Loretta) Rivers, Sr., Benjamin Rivers, and Elder C. Dion Rivers; three nieces: Veronica Scott, Danielle Rivers, and Kaitrina McGee; ten great-nephews, six great-nieces, five great-great-nephews, four great-great-nieces, one great-great-great niece, longtime friend, Lorna, Goddaughter Brittany, and a host of cousins, church family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her elder sister, Catha "Ethel Mae" Rivers. Her family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 4, 10-11 a.m., followed by a Homegoing Service at 11 a.m., at The Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Rd., Windsor. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Bloomfield. Acknowledgments Ms. Johnnie Mae McGhee courageously endured cancer for over two and a half years. It would take a book to properly thank the multitude of caregivers who treated her throughout that journey-at the Smilow Cancer Center at St. Francis, St. Francis Hospital and its ER Department, Mt. Sinai Rehab, and at home with Elara Caring and Trinity Hospice. We acknowledge the exceptional positivity of Dr. James Vredenburgh (retired) and the compassion of Hospice Nurse Cecilia Payne, who both represent the epitome of care and professionalism. A heartfelt salute to all of them. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnnie, please visit our floral store.