Billie Lee McGee, 74, of Athens, Tennessee, passed away on July 18, 2016 at the home of her daughter, Jill Russell, surrounded by her children.
She was born in Decatur, TN on Dec. 7, 1941, to the late Bill Goforth and Marie Fairbanks McDonald, and attended McMinn County High School, having attained her GED at the age of 54. Billie never lost her youthful desire to learn. The Harry Potter series lined her bookshelves and video games decorated her TV stand. She worked several years as a beloved supervisor for both Lay's and Etowah Manufacturing; and eventually ended her longstanding career to selflessly preside as the caregiver for her mother and step-father.
Above all, Billie was known by her family and friends as a woman of staunch faith. She took pride in her individual relationship with the Lord and truly served as an emotional rock for her family.
Billie was preceded in death by her grandmother and grandfather Fairbanks; father Bill Goforth; daughter, Michelle Kugler; step-son, John Farrell; mother Marie McDonald; and grandson Tyler Womack.
She is survived by four children, Vicki Womack and children Melanie and J.J.; Jeff Duke and children, Christopher, Sammie and Jo; Millie Farrell and children, Michelle and Mitchell; and Jill Russell and daughter, Jessica; sisters, Louise and Austin Shadden of Etowah, Gina Fitzgerald of Athens; one brother Jimmy and Dee McDonald of Kingston; and step-father, J.D. McDonald of Athens.
The family wishes to express their special appreciation to LifeCare Center of Athens and Caris Hospice for their passionate care. "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure." J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter Series
A memorial service will be held at the home of Jill Russell located at 1910 Oxnard Road, Athens, TN 37303, on Sunday July 30, from 2-4 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the family at the same address.
Serenity Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.