TEXICO, Ill. — Brenda Gail McGhee, 68, of Texico, Illinois, completed her journey to meet her Savior at 8:46 p.m., on Monday, June 12, 2023, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Brenda was born July 13, 1954, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the daughter of Charles D. and Dorothy B. (Elliott) Tate. Brenda was married to James R. McGhee, Jr. on December 23, 1972, and he survives. Brenda attended Field Grade School and Mt. Vernon Township High School. She was a devout Christian and served several ministries at Central Christian Church and East Salem Baptist Church.
Brenda was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an amazing encourager to all she encountered and a selfless person who continuously placed others before herself. In one word, Brenda was LOVE! Brenda worked as a bank bookkeeper in the early years of marriage, then worked full-time as a wife and mother. She also served on the Field Grade School Board, as President of the Cedarhurst Quilt Guild, and was the founding member of Central Christian Church Prayer Shawl Ministry. She was an avid seamstress, a quilter and loved to crochet. She enjoyed watching birds, and growing flowers. The things she loved the most were God and her family.
Brenda had a genetic liver disease and had a liver transplant in September 2014. In 2021 she had kidney failure and was placed on peritoneal dialysis. On May 24, 2023, she had a kidney transplant, with the kidney being donated by Carl Moyer of Mt. Vernon, IL who survives. She passed away due to complications after the transplant. She encouraged all to be a donor at the end of their time on this earth. Brenda became a tissue donor herself after passing and thus provides the gift of healing for others.
Brenda is survived by her husband of 50 years, James McGhee of Texico, IL; daughter Melissa R. (McGhee) Scott of Arlington, TN; two sons, Charles R. McGhee and wife Jennifer of Dix, IL: Brendan J. McGhee and wife Candace of Mt. Vernon, IL: seven grandchildren: Trinity Scott, Zane Scott, Phoenix Scott, Daphne McGhee, Henry McGhee, Lyla McGhee, Stella McGhee; mother Dorothy B. (Elliott) Tate of Texico, IL; two sisters, Lois Tennison of DuQuoin, IL and Betty Williams of Mt. Vernon, IL.
Brenda was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father, Charles D. Tate; sister, Carol Keele; and two unborn grandchildren.
The family is hosting a Celebration of Brenda’s Life at 12:00 pm Saturday, June 24, 2023, at East Salem Baptist Church, 16812 Rockford Lane, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, with Pastor Randy Hayes officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Brenda’s name to Mid-America Transplant, at https://www.midamericatransplant.org. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.