Thelma J. McGhie

Thelma J. McGhie, affectionately known as Honey, was born December 4, 1930 to Olga M. Morgan and Alan Andrade, in St. Catherine parish, Jamaica, W.I. The eldest of 5 children she was baptized and confirmed an Episcopalian in Jamaica; a faith that would remain central throughout her life. 

From a young age, Thelma showed remarkable talent as a skilled dressmaker.  She excelled in needlework and, after completing school in Kingston, put her talents to use.  She soon met the love of her life, Woodrow M. McGhie. The two married and built a beautiful life together raising four children. Thelma devoted herself to her family, lovingly nurturing her children while working part-time in a clothing store, and later at a pharmacy.  Her career progressed and she eventually served in a supervisory role in the linen department of the University Hospital of the West Indies.   

The family moved to New York City for better opportunities where Thelma gained a certification in dietary services and subsequently worked at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for 18 years as a dietary technician.  Thelma and Woodrow became Certified Foster parents providing, over multi years, a loving home for fifteen children.  Thelma’s faith remained a cornerstone of her life, and she was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bronx, always willing to lend a hand where needed.   

In 1996 Thelma and Woodrow retired to Atlanta, GA where that year, they became active members of St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church.  She continued her legacy of service, volunteering at the church’s thrift store, helping in the church office and the afterschool children’s program.  She also thoroughly enjoyed the social life afforded seniors at St. Michael’s. Thelma’s nurturing spirit was also felt in the broader community where she was known as a “pink lady” volunteer at Dekalb Medical Center, most often in the unit for premature babies for whom she knitted many tiny booties. 

On September 7, 2024 Thelma returned home with hospice care after a 3 week stay in Emory Hospital for Covid-19.  Early on September 14, 2024 she peacefully passed away surrounded by her family.  She leaves behind her daughters, Rosalie and Judy, five grandchildren:  Andrew, Suzanne, Richard, Natalie and Stephen; three great grandchildren, Asa, Matthew and Maxim, a sister, Betty, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.  She was predeceased by Woodrow and two daughters:  Winsome and Janet.  This makes for a happy reunion and welcoming home for Thelma. 

More than titles like daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Thelma was the embodiment of love.  She exuded acceptance, warmth, generosity and grace, lifting the spirits of everyone she encountered.  She was a cheerleader, a confidante, an encourager and a motivator to her family, her children’s friends, and her community.  She will be remembered not only for the love she gave but for the endless joy and kindness she brought into the world.  Thelma, you are beloved and your presence will be dearly missed.   

Her life will be celebrated at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11 AM,   

It takes a mother’s love to make a house a home 

A place to be remembered no matter where you roam 

It takes a mother’s patience to bring a child up right 

Her courage and her cheerfulness to make a dark day bright 

It takes a mother’s thoughtfulness, her skill and her endurance  

To mend the heart’s deep hurt and give it some assurance.   (Unknown)