Renita "Nita" Lee McGahee

Renita “Nita” Lee Quartz McGahee passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of eighty. She will be missed deeply by all who knew her for her kind spirit and loving ways. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of sixty years, Virgil McGahee; her son, Chris McGahee, and his wife, Darla; her grandsons, Conner McGahee and Kyle McGahee and his wife, Avery; and her brother, Bill Quartz.

Nita was born on August 1, 1945, in Houston, Texas, to William Quartz, Jr. and Blanche Doniphan Quartz of Baytown. Her grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. John Isensee of La Porte and Mrs. and Mrs. William Quartz of Baytown. She grew up in Baytown, where she attended Ashbel Smith Elementary School, was part of a close-knit group at Cedar Bayou Junior High, and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. After high school, Nita married her childhood sweetheart, Virgil McGahee.

Nita and Virgil began their life together in Baytown and later spent a short time living in Ohio while Virgil worked for Bayer. After a few years, they returned to Baytown and eventually settled in Mont Belvieu.

A loving wife and friend, devoted mother and grandmother, Nita also spent several years working for Exxon. She was a dedicated caretaker who lovingly nursed and personally tended to her mother, her in-laws, and her Aunt Nee in their later years. All who knew her felt fortunate to be her friend. Nita was part of a long-standing bridge group, a special birthday group, and shared annual trips to New Braunfels with close friends.

Her friends affectionately referred to her as their “information station,” as she always seemed to know the answer—or where to find it—on topics ranging from flowers and gardening to medical questions and decorating. When offering comfort or advice, she would calmly say, “Just put one foot in front of the other.”

The passing of this precious woman leaves an empty place in the hearts of all who loved her, but her family finds comfort in knowing she has taken her place in heaven.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Navarre Funeral Home, located at 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521.

Since Nita loved animals so much, you can honor her memory by donating to the Baytown Humane Society. You can visit their website at https://www.baytownhumanesociety.org/ to make donations.