Wynona Hill McGhee
Wynona Hill McGhee, 94, passed away on January 25, 2023.
Wynona was born in Chattanooga, on July 24, 1928, to Harry Hill and Versa Griffin Hill. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of over 40 years, Mr. John Frank McGhee.
Wynona was a graduate in the 1946 Class of Howard High School and the 1951 Class of Fisk University. She worked in the Chattanooga Public Schools and retired in 1984 after teaching English for 30 years at Dalewood Jr. High School. She was named teacher of the year during her tenure as an educator and was known for having an open-door policy for her students. In 1996, Wynona returned to the Dalewood community as an inaugural board member of the Hazel Elizabeth Robinson Bowles Foundation and continuously served until her death.
Wynona was initiated into the Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1980 and remained an active Golden Life Member in local, regional, and national sorority events until her health failed. For years, Wynona was the heart and soul of Memorial Hospital and the Chattanooga Aquarium where she diligently served as a volunteer. An avid world traveler, Wynona always returned with fabulous narratives and curated photos of her journey. Wynona’s appreciation for music was demonstrated as a member of the Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Song.
Wynona was best known for her smile and energetic spirit. Her love for God was evident as she remained active in her church, First Baptist Church. Despite her failing health, she regularly participated in the virtual Sunday services and weekly Bible Study. Fondly cherishing her memory are, her son, Michael A. McGhee, grandchildren, Calvin (Devin) McGhee and Kelvin (Tanika) McGhee, four great grandchildren, cousins, Hazel R. Bowles, Pamela E. Bowles, Janel O. Bowles and Cheryn J. E. Moore, goddaughter, Ms. Venetia Jarrett, devoted friends, Mrs. Amelia Allen, Ms. Hilda Harris-Hardaway, Ms. Linda Smith, Ms. Nichole Adams, Ms. Regina Fisher, Ms. Shareka Pitts, Ms. Wendy Davis and Ms. Donna Davis.
Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.
An 11:30 a.m. funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at First Baptist Church, 506 East 8th Street.
Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery. Gate time at 1:30 p.m.