Obituary of Verlene F. McGee

Verlene McGee

Elmira - Age 90, departed this life on June 24, 2018. Born in Buffalo, New York on December 20, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Walter & Laura Freeman. She is predeceased by her sister Audrey Freeman and her brother Alvin Freeman.  Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Bishop Cephus McGee and daughters, Phyllis McGee Fields, Dr. JoAnn McGee, and Michelle McGee, all of Elmira. Survivors also include her grandchildren, Elijah McGee of Elmira, Tiffany Fields of Philadelphia, PA and Pherin Fields of Woodbridge, VA; and great-grandchild, Jayla McGee. In addition, surviving are her brother Walter Freeman of Buffalo, her niece, Laura Chapman (Marcus) and their 3 children of Chicago, IL, her brother-in-law George McGee of Las Vegas, NV, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.  Verlene graduated in 1960 from State Teachers College in Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science Degree in education. As an educator, she first taught in Buffalo followed by 22 years of teaching in the Elmira City School District, initially as a first grade teacher and later as a reading specialist. During her tenure, she also taught Elmira College interns. For over 50 years, Verlene served as First Lady of All Saints Home COGIC where she was actively involved in the teaching ministry. She remained faithful under the current leadership until her demise. At age 75, Verlene wrote and self-published a book titled, "Parenting Pearls."  She also wrote 3 books of aphorisms, in addition to writing articles for her local newspaper The Star Gazette. Verlene was awarded the Katherine Horton Medal of the Daughters of the American Revolution for her outstanding academic achievement.  The YWCA awarded her with the 2010 Racial Justice Award; and the NAACP recognized Verlene for her contributions to civil rights in advocating for social justice. More recently Barnes & Noble Booksellers honored Verlene with the Lifetime Literary Achievement Award; and Pathways, Inc. honored her with the Nichols Award for her excellent service as a resource parent. Verlene served on various community boards, including the Elmira Correctional Facility Hospitality Board the Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors, and the Neighborhood House Board of Directors. She also served on the production team of Senior Notebook, a television program of interest to seniors and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Special thanks to the Arnot Ogden Medical Center staff for their professionalism at every level and to the staff at CareFirst (formerly Southern Tier Hospice) for their superb care and compassion.  Family and friends are invited to visit Faith Temple Community COGIC, the corner of Harper & Sullivan Sts., Elmira on Saturday, June 30th from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Her funeral service will begin at 11:30 am. Superintendent Kenneth W. Reed Pastor of All Saints Home COGIC officiating. Committal prayers and interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery on Monday, July 2nd at 9:00 am. Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. Elmira, NY 14901 is assisting the family.