Elizabeth Ann McGee

Elizabeth Ann (“Libby”) Davis McGee was born May 11, 1939, and died on July 23, 2026, at age 87. Libby was born and grew up in Clarksville, Indiana. She graduated in 1957 from New Albany High School. She attended Indiana University and ultimately graduated in 1961 from the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with high honors. In August 1961, she married her longtime sweetheart, Arthur Reid McGee. Libby initially worked as a Research Assistant for the U of L School of Medicine. She notably worked with Assistant Professor Dr. Robert Levy on the connection between cholesterol levels in patients and risk for heart attack.

After the birth of their first daughter, Libby chose to leave her career and care for their new baby. For most of her adult life, Libby was a stay-at-home mom to their three daughters, while Reid worked for the Bell System, including both AT&T and South Central Bell. The family moved from Louisville, Kentucky to Atlanta, Georgia, to Jacksonville, Florida and ultimately, in 1972 to Jackson, Mississippi where they settled, raised their family and eventually retired.

Libby was an avid gardener, growing both flowers and vegetables. She and Reid had a large rose garden in their backyard for many years. She eventually turned this hobby and talent into a part-time job, working at Callaway’s Yard & Garden Center. Once her daughters grew to adulthood, she managed Organizers in Highland Village for a number of years. In that job, she made a group of wonderful, lifelong friends. After retiring from Organizers, Libby was a loving “Grandmama” to her ten grandchildren. She attended many recitals, sporting events, birthdays, school programs and graduations for each of them. She also enjoyed hosting them and babysitting whenever needed. Libby welcomed seven great-grandchildren as well.

Survivors include: daughter Susan McGee Peaster, and her husband Richie, of Jackson, MS; daughter Stephanie McGee Rippee, and her husband Brian, of Jackson, MS; daughter Starr McGee Griffin, and her husband Bob, of Meridian, MS; ten grandchildren: Laura Lee Ross Smith Beneke (Sonny), William Clifton (“Wic”) Smith IV (Tori), Ainsley James Smith, Forrest Graham Smith (Anne Regan), Brian Scott Rippee, Jr. (Mary Claire), Davis Bond Rippee, Walker Reid Rippee, McKenzie Griffin Wallis (Dustin), Madeline Griffin Mars (Abe) and Rebecca Reid Griffin; and seven great grandchildren: Lola Lane Beneke, Abigail James Beneke, Elliott Ann Beneke, Gwen Eleanor Wallis, Vivienne Leigh Smith and William Clifton (“Wilkes”) Smith V, and Catherine Price Rippee.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bart Delashmet for the thorough and patient care he gave Libby during most of her adult life, as well as Dr. Kathy Gregg for the wonderful care she gave Libby in the final years of her life. The family would also like to thank all of the staff at the Orchard and the Arbor who helped make her life more pleasant and comfortable in her years there.

Visitation will be held August 3, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson, MS. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm at Northminster Baptist Church with the Reverend Marty Harper and the Reverend Lesley Ratcliff officiating. Inurnment at the Northminster Columbarium will immediately follow the service.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Northminster Baptist Church, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.