Life Reflections

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Deborah Maria McGee, loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother was granted God's gift of eternal peace at the age of 74. She was born on September 3, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois to Leon and Constance (Tolbert) Dunham.

Deborah united with the church and was baptized at an early age. As a young girl, she was active in her church, school, and Southside Chicago community. She excelled in her studies so much that she skipped one full grade level and graduated with honors from the historic DuSable High School in Chicago, Illinois at the age of 16. Deborah received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University (SIU). She later went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Human Relations and Business from Amber University.

Deborah met the love of her life, Richard McGee, in Chicago, Illinois in 1977. They were united in holy matrimony on January 13, 1980. To this union, one daughter, Kimberly, was born.

Deborah devoted over 30 years of her life to federal service. She began her federal government career working for the Naval Coastal Systems in Panama City, FL in 1987. In 1988, she relocated to Dallas, TX and continued her federal service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1989, she joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an Investigator in the Dallas District Office. Later Deborah transferred to the Southwest Regional Office to become a Radiation Specialist. She spent the remainder of her career with FDA as a MQSA Compliance Officer in the Southwest Regional Office and OMDRHO Division 3. She also served many years as a National Treasury Employees Union steward. Deborah retired from FDA on December 31, 2017. In her retirement, she continued to be active by being involved in community activities, traveling to new and exciting places, going on relaxing cruises, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Deborah was a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for over 50 years. While attending SIU, she received several visits from members of a Zeta graduate chapter. In a short time, she learned that Zeta shared her goals of uplifting and empowering vulnerable populations, promoting finer womanhood, scholarship, service and sisterly love. She was part of a group of illustrious women that founded the Mu Delta chapter on SIU's campus in 1971. Zeta has afforded her many rewarding leadership and community service opportunities. Deborah served as the 3rd Basileus of Omicron Beta Zeta Chapter of Arlington, TX from 1994 to 1997. She was also Omicron Beta Zeta's first Zeta Crystal Dove.

Deborah was preceded in death by her younger sister, Denise, who she loved and adored. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband Richard; daughter Kimberly (Brian) Hull; two grandchildren, Tivani and Declyn; nephews Bryce (Jocelyn) Meadors and Leon Meadors; great-nieces Denisha, Brianna, Brittany; best friend since grammar school Ardis (Curtis) Bridges and a host of other relatives and loving friends.