Mrs. Garylyn L. (Sampson) McGee

God is Love! He is the ever present spirit of life. Garylyn McGee was born November 7, 1949 to a family eager to nurture her in God’s love and spirit. It was something that the world couldn’t give her and the world couldn’t take away.

She was born in Houston, Texas and the youngest of the two daughters born to Robert and Vivian Gary Sampson. They strived to have both of their daughters, Garylyn and her older sister Robbie, flourish in God’s spirit.

Garylyn was a bright light and warm spirit to everyone she encountered. She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Most importantly she had the honor of being an outstanding Granny!

She received her early spiritual guidance at Mt Sinai Baptist church in Houston Heights under the leadership of the late Dr. Samuel Gilbert. It was there that she met her husband Otis C. McGee. They were married for forty three years and their three children Courtney, Otis, Robert & their grandchildren were the joy of their lives. In later years the spirit led them to Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church. They were active members under the leadership of Pastor Dayle Perry.

After graduating from Booker T Washington High School she attended North Texas State University. It was there that her skillful writing abilities began to blossom and shine. There she was appointed the first black female Editor of the North Texas Gazette. Graduating with a degree in Journalism. She was one of first black female journalists at the Houston Post. She interviewed politicians and key individuals including Maya Angelou and Carole Channing. She recognized from these experiences that God had his hand on her life’s journey.

The next major step in her journey was volunteering and pursing services for her son with special needs. She met with key individuals presenting questions and ideas. She supported other parents and their children along the way. God blessed her! Her son became part of the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanitywinning trophies and medals Her prior role of researching and interviewing skills helped her in this new role. Her work resulted in helping these individuals beam with confidence and pride—God was present in this phase of her journey. Feeling confident, her son then joined the choir at Reach Unlimited! She felt blessed, this was the community and productive life she wanted for him.

Facing her physical illness was the next major step on her journey! Through her illness she felt God’s presence. His ever- present love and spirit was sustaining her throughout this part of her journey. We loved her, God Loved her and we thank God that she is present with Him!

Her legacy “God What would you have me do on my journey!” Fight a good fight, finish the course and keep the faith.

Rejoicing in the legacy she leaves behind are her devoted children: Courtney McGee Bobino (Steven) Otis Carl McGee, Jr., Robert Brian McGee; grandchildren Vivian, Myracle, Cydney, Nasier, Steven III, Malcolm (Maurcia), Tyson, Ja’Mary; greatchildren Miles & Melody; sister Robbie Sampson Gill; niece Nya Gill; devoted friends, Doris Nixson and Carolyn Odums; host of family, friends and sorors.

To God be the Glory!