Vivian Ilene Treadway McKee

Vivian Ilene Treadway McKee died December 21 at Catawba Regional Hospice after a period of declining health. Vivian was born in Washington County, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the late William H. Treadway and Maude Aldridge Treadway.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, L. H. “Mac” McKee, her sisters Verna T. Howell and Mabel T. Kramer, and a brother, William R. “Billy” Treadway.

Survivors include her daughter, Brenda Gantt and husband Charles, two granddaughters, Susan G. Reinhardt and husband Franklin of Newton, NC, Amy G. Hancock and husband Marty of Gastonia, NC, and one grandson, C. Michael Gantt and wife Angela of Newton, NC; nine great-grandchildren- Andrew Reinhardt and wife Claire of Chapel Hill, NC, Adam Reinhardt of Hickory, NC, Chase Matson and fiancée Ali Dvoskin of Winchester, VA, Nick Matson of Greensboro, NC, Evan Matson and fiancée Sydney Starnes of Newton, NC, Kinsey Matson of Gastonia, NC, Camryn, Abby, and Anna Gantt of Newton, NC, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. McKee was a graduate of Lamar High School and Johnson City Business College in Tennessee. She was a member of Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church in Newton as well as a Sunday school teacher. She was a homemaker after retiring as office manager of the Cecil H. Jarrett Chemical Co. in Newton, NC. Vivian, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, loved early morning walks, basketball, bowling, and bridge.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the help and loving care of Vivian to Norma Huffman, Cathy Whisnant, Suzanne Keever, Jo Ann Harper, Tammy Brooks, and loyal and devoted friend and caregiver, Jane Mays. The family thanks the staff of Catawba Regional Hospice and all EMS personnel. The family also wishes to thank Dr. James Gaither, Cynthia Ferguson, and the owner and staff of Bowman Drug. Their kindness, care, and patience will always be cherished by the family.

Mrs. McKee’s service will be held in the chapel of Willis Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton on Tuesday, December 23, at 1:00 pm with the family receiving from 11:45 am-12:45 pm prior to the funeral. Graveside rites will follow immediately at Eastview Cemetery in Newton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church, Catawba Regional Hospice, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or the Catawba EMS Hardship Fund.