Rebecca Hale (Smith) McGee

Sister Rebecca McGee was born March 26, 1933 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana to the parents of Alma and Dempsey Smith.  Rebecca, who was known by her family and many friends simply as “Beck”. She was a mighty warrior and woman of GOD.  She was strong, witty, kind, smart, hilariously truthful, wise, funny, and a hard-working person and the Matriarch of the Smith and Henderson Family.   As a child, Sister Rebecca was baptized by her uncle the late Reverend J. W. White of Mount Zion Baptist Church in White Castle, Louisiana.  She was an active member of New Star Baptist Church in Ponchatoula, Louisiana under the leadership of the late Reverend James Brown.  After moving permanently to Benton Harbor, MI. in 1970, she became a member of the New Paradise Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Burton.  Rebecca later accepted the Faith of Islam under the leadership of the late great Elijah Mohammed of Chicago, Illinois in 1973.  When Rebecca moved to Benton Harbor MI in 1970, she worked for Homestead restaurant and Tosi's restaurant. In the early 2000’s she became a Grandparent for Benton Harbor School Systems, where she helped a many of children learn to read, write and learn mathematics. She also volunteered for many years at Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen until she became ill. When she wasn’t at the soup kitchen she still fed many of children and the homeless from her own home. Rebecca was married to the late James McGee on June 10, 1950 and to this union seven children were born.  She leaves her (5) sons, David(Edna) McGee of Springfield, VA, Larry McGee of Benton Harbor, MI., Richard(Darlene) McGee of Benton Harbor, MI., Michael (Ester) McGee of Oakland, TN., Ronnie Ray(Bobby) McGee of Olive Branch, MS. and (2) daughters Linda (Jesse) Ammons, and Glenda McGee both of Benton Harbor, Michigan.  She also leaves to mourn her (4) brothers, George Henderson of Benton Harbor, MI, Ervin Henderson of Ponchatoula,  LA, Daniel Smith(Jeanna) of Covington, LA, Richard Smith(Elaine) of Hammond, LA, and (2) sisters, Lorene(Owen) Caldwell, and Dorothy(late Earnest) Cheatham of Ponchatoula, LA. She also leaves behind a multitude of grand-children, great-grand-children, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and multitude of close friends. Rebecca is preceded in death by her parents, Dempsey and Alma Smith Sr, (3) brothers, Dempsey Smith Jr., Raymond Smith, William Smith, and (1) sister, Celestine (Smith) Hill. REBECCA “MISS. BECKY”) WE LOVE YOU AND WILL TRULY MISS YOU DEARLY! 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rebecca Hale (Smith) McGee, please visit our floral store.