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Maggie Ruth Sebren McKee passed away July 6, 2023 at the age of 103. Maggie left this world physically, but her influence will be felt for many generations. She will be remembered as a gentle, open-minded person who taught us to celebrate life and enjoy the simple things.
Maggie said that she did not want anyone to be sad that she is gone because she had a wonderful life. She felt blessed to have a husband who was also her best friend, good parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. She felt content with the life that she led, and that is the legacy that she leaves.
Maggie was preceded in death by her husband J.C. “Buddy” McKee, her parents, Oscar and Annie Bell Sebren, sisters Esther Sebren McLeod and Bertha Sebren Quinn, brothers Earl, Ray, and Sidney Sebren, daughter in law Mary Anne McKee, and son in law Larry Wallace.
She is survived by daughter Kaye Wallace of Natchez, Joe McKee (Xioamin) of Atlanta, GA, Ruth McKee (Ron Harper) of Los Alamos, NM, four grandchildren Brian Wallace, Melanie Wallace Vervaeke (Ches), Molly McKee(Paul), and Janet McKee (Ryan), five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Maggie’s niece Becky Bobbs (Billy) lived down the street from her for over 30 years and they had a very close relationship.
Maggie spent her childhood in Harrisville, MS, where her father owned a country store. She later met and married Buddy McKee. Maggie called Buddy the love of her life and it was evident he felt the same way about her. They were married for 58 years.
Maggie, Buddy, and their three children lived in Harrisville until 1962 when they moved to Florence. They were members of Marvin United Methodist Church, and they supported school and community activities in Florence. Maggie graduated from Mississippi Southern (USM) in 1942. She taught school for 34 years in elementary, junior high, and high schools. She is most remembered in Florence for the years she taught American history with so much zeal that may former students stayed in contact with her.
Cooking was Maggie’s love. She was always willing to cook for everyone, and she never stopped trying new recipes. She also never stopped the antiquated art of making her own pie crust. Another pastime of Maggie’s was needlework. Her remedy for depression was to “do something for somebody else,” so she delighted in making things and giving them away. Many children have been lucky recipients of her hand-sewn finger puppets, and countless other people have been given her special gifts. Maggie was the queen of funky yard art. Her backyard was filled with statues, gazing balls, and other interesting items. She had a bottle tree before they were trendy.
Passionate about politics, the environment, and human rights, Maggie always saw the good in everyone. Because of her peaceful nature and gentle spirit, a good gift for Maggie was always a piece sign or dove to add to her collection.
Of all her interests and pastimes, reading was Maggie’s favorite. The variety of literature that she perused, combined with her vast knowledge of history, gave her a wisdom and depth of knowledge that benefited us all. She was devoted to reading the daily newspaper throughout her life.
Maggie leaves a void in the lives of countless people who will forever be affected by her life. To honor Maggie in our everyday lives we can plant a tree, buy a book for a library, help a child, watch a sunset, look for rainbows, or say a kind word to a stranger. Enjoying life and making the world a better place is a tribute to Maggie McKee.
Maggie’s family would like to thank the staff of Villa South Assisted Living for the love, compassion and care they have shown her over the last several years. A very special thank you goes out to Martha Keen for years of friendship, help and kindness. They would also like to thank the hospice staff of VitalCaring Group for their support and kindness.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Florence Public Library, Villa South Assisted Living, or Marvin Methodist church in Florence, MS.
A service will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00am in the Marvin United Methodist Church in Florence, MS
An Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
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