Patsy Mcgahey

A longtime resident of Columbus, Patsy McDade McGahey died Saturday, December 3, 2016 at her home.

Born on December 17, 1927, in Jackson, Mississippi to James Barney McDade and Addie O’Neal McDade, Patsy spent her young life in South Mississippi and New Orleans. She attended Mississippi State College for Women, graduating with a degree in Speech and Drama in 1950. Patsy worked as a spokesperson and advertising model for WCBI early in her career. It was in Columbus that she met her husband, Thomas Arthur “Son” McGahey, Jr. They married in 1951 and started their family shortly thereafter.

Patsy was a dedicated volunteer and active in a number of local charity and philanthropic organizations. She was a Life member of Junior Auxiliary, a MSCW Golden Girl, a member of the Northeast Mississippi Delta Gamma Alumnae chapter and a lifetime member of the Magnolia Garden Club. An avid sports fan, Patsy enjoyed supporting her favorite teams: The University of Alabama, Mississippi State University (given they weren’t playing Alabama) and the Heritage Academy Patriots.

Patsy’s greatest passion in life was her family. Known as Mama Dear by all those that adored her, she was actively involved in the lives of her children, eleven grandchildren and their friends. Mama Dear is survived by three children:  Sunny Whitaker (Tom ), of Columbus, MS, Tommy McGahey (Lila) of Birmingham, AL  and Jem McGahey (Evelyn) of Memphis, TN; eleven grandchildren: Evans Dawson (Eric), Allison Whitaker, Robert Whitaker (Macaulay), Liz Holley (Tom), Griffin McGahey (Jennifer), Marion Marx (Edgar), Betsy Sights (Matt), Simmons McGahey, Marshall McGahey, Thomas McGahey, Patsy McGahey and eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her devoted caregiver and friend, Josephine “Jo” Roland.

She was preceded in death by her parents,  her husband  T.A. " Son" McGahey,  her son Thomas " Arthur" McGahey, III, and daughter Patsy Wood McGahey.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Friendship Cemetery. Visitation was Monday, December 5, 2016 at Memorial Funeral Home from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Pallbearers will be Robert Whitaker, Eric Dawson, Griffin McGahey, Tom Holley, Edgar Marx, Thomas McGahey, Matt Sights and Thomas Fitzner.  Honorary pallbearers will be Benny Colvin, Don Wingo, Keith Hankins, Dr. Jack Reed, Sammy Platt, Floyd McIntyre, Andy Naugle, Bill Lott and Jody Kennedy.

Memorials may be made to the Heritage Academy Martha Claire Kennedy Fitzner Memorial Fund, 625 Magnolia Lane, Columbus, MS 39705.