Annie Jane McGhee

Obituary Annie Jane McGhee, also known as Jeannie to many, was born on August 2, 1945, in Barbour County, Alabama, to the late Annie Bell McGhee and Asbury Decatur McGhee. She made her transition on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in her home. Annie was the youngest of four children born to that union. She accepted Christ at an early age and began singing in church at the age of four. She joined Union Baptist Church in Newton, Alabama, and became a junior missionary at the age of 9. She was exceptionally smart with a passion for education, learning to read as a child by studying the Bible in church every Sunday. In her younger years, Annie left her hometown and moved to New Jersey with only a grade-school education, determined to provide a better life for herself and her children. Committed to furthering her education, she completed her GED and then pursued higher education. She received an Associate’s degree from Essex County College and a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Public Policy and Social Justice from St. Peter’s University. She then went on to serve as a social worker in the Essex County Division of Welfare and Youth Services for thirty years. During these years, Annie was not only dedicated to her work, but she was also a devout Christian who was heavily involved in her community. She was a member of Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, as well as Vineyard Baptist Church in Newark, NJ – the latter of which she served as a deacon for many years. She was part of a gospel singing group by the name of Third Generation, composed of family members. They would often travel to different churches and sing praise and worship in honour of the Lord. She later joined Agape Baptist Ministries in Bloomfield, NJ, where she eventually became ordained as a deacon on August 28, 2021. She volunteered her time serving as a worship leader, a pastor’s aid, and a member of the church choir. Annie had a nurturing and giving spirit that would radiate and provide warmth to those around her; an energy that others gravitated towards. She was a devoted mother and mentor who not only encouraged her children to follow their own path but also provided monumental amounts of support along the way. In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for friends and family to seek her counsel, wisdom, guidance, and words of encouragement when experiencing trials and tribulations. She was always uplifting, kind, and generous to those who called upon her. Annie departs from this earth to join those who have preceded her in death: her mother, Annie Bell McGhee; her father, Asbury Decatur McGhee; her sister, Ida Merle McGhee; and her brother-in-law, Quille Jenkins. She leaves to honor her memory: her sisters, Annie Pearl Jenkins and Willie Mae Williams, her children, Tracy, Shannon, Cortney, Carmen, and Zoe McGhee, her grandchildren, Monique, Charlie, Shirlece, Deandre, Marquis, Stephon, Jason, Dontae, Deyakasey, Deanna, CJ, Taylor, and Tyler, as well as five great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Tributes

Annie Jane McGhee

August 2, 1945 - November 30, 2025