Paulette McGee

Knowing she could not pass up this call again, she answered to be reunited with loved ones she couldn’t forget. Surrounded by the love of her family, after fighting to recover from a heart attack and the difficult aftermath of two strokes, she made her final journey to her new home that was waiting for her.

Born July 25, 1945, in Dyersburg, TN, to John B. Anderson and Callie L. Jackson, Paulette grew up with a love of family, laughter, and life’s simple joys. On March 11, 1961, she married Donald R. McGee, Sr. in Dyersburg. Shortly after, they moved to Indiana to raise their family together, building 64 years of marriage filled with laughs and memories.

Paulette is survived by her husband, Donald; and their children, Clara (Mark) Vinzant of Valparaiso, IN, Paula (Paul) Garcia of Weyers Cave, VA, Paul McGee of Hobart, IN; and her daughter-in-law, Shanni McGee of Grant City, MO. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Ann Scobey of Corinth, MS; her grandchildren, Kara Orlando, Laura McGee, Brittany (Cole) Williams, Jessica Garcia, Ryan McGee, Kelsey Vinzant, Zack McGee, Robert Vinzant, and Kasen Garcia; and her great-grandchildren, Hailey, Lucas, Briella, Malcolm, and Oaklee. Her loyal “fur baby,” Bentley, was her constant companion. She leaves behind many brokenhearted cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her son, Donald R. McGee, Jr.; her sister, Virginia Corbett (Jenny); her great-granddaughter, Anna; and her parents.

Paulette’s life was filled with love and joy. She loved trips to the casino, traveling, shopping, coloring Easter eggs, making Christmas cookies, and baking banana bread with her granddaughters and teaching them to sew. She had a special bond with her granddaughter, Brittany—with their trips to have their pedicures and shopping at the Dollar Stores her grandmother loved—and also her sisters, sharing countless adventures, including a cherished trip to Biloxi, MS, where she enjoyed the beach, laughter, and delicious crab legs. Paulette loved planting vegetables, spontaneous movie outings with her son, and playful afternoons with her great-grandkids. She was also known for snuggling up with Bentley while sharing Cheetos and calling her daughter to deliver important “weather emergency reports.”

Paulette marched to the beat of her own drum, and her humor and boundless love will remain in our hearts forever.

The family asks in Paulette’s memory that everyone take the time to think about their own mortality and strongly consider making a living will. No matter your age, let your loved ones know your wishes and put them in writing. This is a free and easy document.

A visitation to honor Paulette will be held Monday, August 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322. She will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the McGee family.