Sonja “Penny” Penelope McGee, age 73, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2026, in Jackson, Tennessee.
Born January 6, 1953, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Robert L. and Ollie Mae Hart. She married the love of her life, Junior McGee, on March 31, 1969.
Penny was a former registered nurse at Regional Hospital in Jackson, where she spent her career caring for others. She was a loving, kindhearted person with a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that could light up a room. She loved everyone and was known for her generous heart and welcoming spirit. If you visited Penny, you could count on being offered something to eat, whether you were hungry or not! Cooking for others was one of the many ways she showed her love.
Penny had a special place in her heart for animals, especially cats and dogs. She enjoyed camping, traveling in her camper, and spending time outdoors. She also loved growing flowers, reading, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. She was a longtime member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church.
Above all, Penny will be remembered for her kindness, laughter, love of family and friends, and the countless ways she made others feel welcome and loved. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Mr. Junior McGee; her children, Ginger Carmack and David McGee; brother, Mac Hart (Phyllis); sisters, Mavis Marquez (Lupe) and Sandra Sue McGee (Billy); grandson, Cayden Grey Carmack; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Joe Hart, and sister, Nita Drown.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 16, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at New Beech Grove Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Sand Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at New Beech Grove Baptist Church on Sunday from 2 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:30 p.m.
Pafford Funeral Home of Lexington is in charge of the arrangements.
