Virginia Marie McGee

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - With deepest love, reverence, and shared sorrow, we remember and celebrate the life of Virginia Marie Swafford McGee, who passed gently from this life on Monday, July 21, 2025, just two days after her 89th birthday.

Born on July 19, 1936, and raised as the eldest of ten children, Virginia’s life was one marked by strength, service, and extraordinary love. From her earliest days, she was a guiding light to her siblings—Irene, Shirley, Mack, Tom, Randy, Gary, Vivian, and Donna—and carried the memory of baby Lois, who passed in infancy, with quiet grace. To her brothers and sisters, she was not only a sister but often a second mother. And to her nieces and nephews, she was affectionately and enduringly known as Momma Ginny—a title that spoke to the fierce and tender care she offered so naturally.

Virginia’s spirit shone bright on and off the court. A star basketball player in high school and an active volleyball player later in life, her athleticism mirrored the tenacity with which she lived her life. She carried this same energy into her calling as a nurse, serving patients at the hospital in Pikeville, Tennessee with skill, devotion, and compassion.

She was the beloved wife of William Aubrey “Red” McGee, and the proud, devoted mother of their only child, Cecilia Ann McGee Ducey. The bond between mother and daughter was nothing short of sacred—a lifelong friendship rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering support. Their relationship was a rare and beautiful gift to all who witnessed it.

In their home in Cookeville, Tennessee, Virginia and Red built a life of love and fellowship. They became pillars of their neighborhood and the community. Among their closest friends were Sara and Chuck Johnson, whose enduring friendship remains a testament to the meaningful life Virginia helped nurture.

In her later years, as her health began to fade, Virginia’s daughter Cecilia walked with her every step of the way. As caregiver and companion, Cecilia ensured that her mother was treated with the dignity, love, and attention she had always so freely given to others. The family also expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Brian Waggoner, whose care and compassion brought comfort and healing during those precious final chapters.

Virginia’s life will be honored on Thursday, July 24 at 10:00 AM at the Mt. Ararat Church of Christ in Liberty, Tennessee, with Clarence Deloach offering the eulogy and prayers. Family and friends are lovingly invited to attend, to grieve together, and to give thanks for a life that blessed so many.

In this moment of profound loss, we hold Cecilia and the entire family in our hearts. May the memory of Virginia—her wisdom, her laughter, her fierce love—be a source of strength and comfort. Though her body rests, her spirit lives on in every life she touched.To those who mourn her: take heart. Momma Ginny has simply crossed a gentle threshold into the eternal arms of peace, where love never ends.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.