Jolene Belle McGehee

RALEIGH - Jolene Belle McGehee, 84, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born December 26, 1940, in San Bernardino, California, to Stella and Harold Gillard, Jolene devoted her life to family, faith, and education.

Jolene earned her undergraduate degree from San Diego State University and a Master's in Education from Mississippi State University. She spent more than 20 years teaching kindergarten in Madison, Mississippi, where she combined patience, humor, and creativity to nurture generations of children at the very start of their schooling. To Jolene, teaching was a calling, and she took joy in seeing each child grow with confidence.

Guided by her faith, Jolene had a gift for helping others, offering quiet strength, encouragement, and love to friends and strangers alike. She radiated kindness and generosity, but she also had a spark-spontaneous, full of energy, a firecracker at heart. She delighted in gathering her family, especially at the beach, and treasured opportunities to travel with them. She had a gift for hospitality, making every guest feel truly welcome. She sent handwritten notes in sudden bursts of affection, so that those who received them felt loved and remembered. She found joy in the everyday-in flowers on the table, a beautiful sky, or the simple warmth of being together.

Jolene is survived by her four children: Stasia McGehee (Jenny Swad), Heidi King (Mike King), Shannon McGehee (Debbie Hedberg), and Robert McGehee (Annette McGehee); and by five grandchildren, Michael, Sawyer, Rowan, Liam, and Andrew. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Burke; her husband of many years, Bob McGehee; her brother, Corky Gillard; and her parents.

Her family and friends will remember Jolene as someone who made others feel seen and cherished. She taught through both word and example that love, extended freely, has the power to transform lives. Her children and grandchildren will carry her lessons forward, remembering her with gratitude for the joy and love she gave so abundantly.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jolene's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com