Frances Joines McGee, 85, of Winston-Salem, N.C. entered into the more immediate presence of her savior with her daughter by her side on Friday October 9th, 2015. She was born on January 12th, 1930 to the late Talmadge and Hallie Mitchell Joines in Stoneville, N.C., the youngest of their eight children. Frances graduated from Stoneville High School in 1948, married her high school sweetheart, Buddy Joyce and went to work at Washington Mills. Buddy died of cancer when Frances was in her early twenties. Several years later, she met Porter G. “Fibber” McGee on a blind date. They were married six weeks later. They raised their three children in a home filled with love and laughter. Frances was Porter’s “Darling” and right hand woman in business. She was the smiling cashier at the Winston-Salem and Bel-Air Drive In Theaters for over forty years and she loved her customers. Porter had an entrepreneurial spirit and together they developed several others successful business ventures. Frances had an excellent financial mind and helped Porter in all his business decisions. She lovingly cared for her husband through an eleven-year illness until he passed away on October 6th, 1995. She continued to run the Bel-Air Drive In with their long-time friend, Jim Styers, until she closed it and retired in 2000. Frances spent the last years of her life living in an apartment in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Tricia and Charlie. Those years were happily spent enjoying family and friends, gardening, reading, and watching her three teenage grandchildren grow up just one floor above.
Frances grew up in the Baptist Church but joined Fairview Moravian Church when she married Porter. She was an active member as long as her health permitted. She loved her Fairview family dearly.
Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Porter; her precious daughter, Karen; four brothers and two sisters. She is survived by son, Jerry McGee of Los Alamitos, California; Son-in-law, Ruger Parker of Emerald Isle, N.C.; daughter, and son-in-law Tricia and Charlie Williams of the home. She considered Ruger and Charlie to be her sons and was very appreciative of their love and excellent care. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Chris McGee, Pat McGee (Jen), Shannon Parker, Shaun Parker (Kim), Ian Williams, Blake Williams, and Hally Williams. She also had 12 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. Frances is survived by her sister, Rae Minter of Eden, N.C. They spoke on the phone every night at 8:00 for over ten years. They were close and loving sisters their entire lives. Life-long friends, Mary Lou Lohman and Christine Styers also survive, as well as her favorite hairdresser and niece, Patti Zimmerman.
The family would like to express their love and gratitude to Frances’ caregivers, Cecil Brown and Barbara Norton. They were angels sent straight from God. Thanks also to Dr. Stephen Helman and Dr. Mark Mitchell for their excellent care and friendship.
The life of Frances J. McGee will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 13th at 1:00 p.m. at Fairview Moravian Church, 6550 Silas Creek Parkway with Pastor Scott Venable officiating. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory in Walkertown. A visitation will be held on Monday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home, 3315 Silas Creek Parkway.
Memorial gifts in Frances’ memory may be made to Fairview Moravian Church.
Frances was a blessing to all who knew her. She was a gracious, kind, compassionate, and encouraging woman. Her glass was not always just half full but overflowing with optimism and gratitude. The light of Christ shined brightly through her and will continue to lead her family. Thanks be to God for her life. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com