Obituary of Virginia Geraldine McKee

Virginia “Geraldine” McKee, 92 years old, passed away peacefully at home with family surrounding her on June 30^th, 2022. She was born in Person County, on September 4^th, 1929. She graduated from Helena High School. Geraldine married Thomas Samuel McKee in 1951. After marriage, she moved to the Caldwell Community in Northern Orange County where her and Sam lived and worked on the family farm together.

Geraldine was a devoted mother, farmer and later worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield. She continued her career at UNC Hospital Records, Orange County Government Land Records and completed her career at Orange County Emergency Management Department in 1997.

Geraldine has always been very active in her community, Little River Presbyterian Church, and the Caldwell Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. She was a member of Little River Presbyterian Church for 71 years. After retirement, she dedicated her time to her family, her church, the Community, and her love for quilting.

Geraldine volunteered at the Orange County Senior Center. She organized the church fundraisers for the Duke Football games and was the church Treasurer for many years. In addition, after Sunday services, Geraldine implemented the weekly lemonade social gathering. She was also known as the “Pork Lion Queen” for being the top salesperson for the Caldwell Fire Department fundraiser every year.

Gardening, feeding her hummingbirds, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were some of her favorite activities.

Geraldine is survived by son Earl (Sandra) McKee, son David (Vickie) McKee, and daughter Gail (Fred) Hughes; grandchildren Jamie (Mario) Caruso, Robert (Alicia) Moore, Brad McKee (Janna Puryear), Robert (Sarah) McKee, Matt (Victoria) McKee, Kirk McKee (Shelby Dunnebacke), Danielle (Levi) Beneville, and Kelly (Brooks) Young; nine great-grandchildren; brother Reade Gray; sister-in-law Barbara Jean Gray; multiple nieces and nephews. Geraldine is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Samuel McKee; parents, Alphonsus and Inez Gray; brothers C.W. Gray, Mertis (Norma Jean) Gray; Tilley (Carolyn) Gray; Henry (Doris) Gray, Robert Gray; Sister Julia (Howard) Hall.   

The Celebration of life service will be held at Little River Presbyterian Church, 4211 Little River Church Road, Hurdle Mills, on July 3, 2022.  Visitation will take place at 3 p.m. followed by the funeral service.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Geraldine McKee’s life.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Little River Presbyterian Church.  Walker’s Funeral Home in Hillsborough is assisting the family.