Veronica Bernadette McGee fell asleep in her precious Jesus on November 23, 2024 in Columbia, Tennessee. She was born on April 18, 1943 as the third of seven children in Nassau, Bahamas to the late Arthur Leon Roach, Sr. and Blunetta Rolle Roach. The bond forged in that home led to a lifetime of closeness and love among the siblings.
Veronica sang with the Houston Opera, taught music and directed a significant number of choirs, chorales, and music groups over the years. Veronica could often be heard humming a hymn or a classical piece to herself. She was an active member of the Lawrenceburg Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she served as a church elder and loved to be with family and friends.
Veronica held a deep appreciation for education and pursued it passionately, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music education from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Prairie View A&M in Houston, Texas and another Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Tennessee State University. She worked as a Speech Pathologist for over 30 years and found joy in helping others find their voices. Veronica was a beacon of compassion to her patients and colleagues. Veronica also served as School Board Chairman at Lawrenceburg Adventist School for many years.
In July 1977, Veronica married the love of her life, Joe Louis McGee, and together they built a life of love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their union was one of unwavering love that remained strong throughout the years. Their daughters remember how their parents talked and laughed until they fell asleep daily.
Veronica’s vibrant spirit, infectious laughter, and devotion to her family defined her. She adored her daughters, Tamara “Tammy” and Tara, who carry her legacy of love and strength. Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, Victoria and Joseph, who were the light of her life. She talked to them every day even though they live in Denmark.
Veronica’s warmth extended beyond her family. She cultivated deep friendships that spanned decades. Her laughter, warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love are an indelible part of many. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication that will be treasured by all who were blessed to know her.
Veronica was preceded in death by the love of her life, Joe Louis McGee, her parents, Arthur and Blunetta Roach and brothers, Arthur Roach, Jr and Anthony “Tony” Roach, Sr. She is survived by her daughters, Tamara (Brian) McGee Ugilt and Tara McGee (Martin), son Tarry (Pin) Hilai, grandchildren, Victoria, Joseph and Tristan Ugilt, Joe Hilai, sisters Clara McPhee, Leona Roach, Annette (Foster) Dorsett, Adelma Roach, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Celebration of Life service will be held at the Lawrenceburg Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Lawrenceburg Adventist School in her memory. Please mark the memo section Veronica McGee Memorial.
Lawrenceburg Adventist School 11 Valley Rd.
Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
For online giving: http://lawrenceburg22.adventistschoolconnect.org/
The care of Ms. Veronica Bernadette McGee and her family has been entrusted to the staff of Williams Funeral Home.
