Obituary: Martha McGehee

Martha McGehee affectionately known as “Mothee” passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at the age of 100. Martha was born on February 11, 1925, in Union, Mississippi, to Rufus and Bernice Roundtree. She was the youngest of fourteen children and was lovingly cherished as the baby of the family.

At an early age, Martha received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and built a strong, lifelong relationship with God. Her faith guided every part of her life. She was a devoted member of Mt. Shasta Baptist Church for more than 80 years, faithfully serving her church family and community.

On July 17, 1943, Martha was united in marriage to Ernest McGehee, and in 1953, they relocated to Weed, California, where they built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. After years filled with laughter the Lord blessed them with four beautiful daughters; LaVerne, Ernestine, Linda, and Janice, whom she adored and raised with deep care and devotion.

Martha worked for many years at the Y Café before retiring from the International Paper Company. She took great pride in her work and in all that she did. Outside of work, she found joy in simple pleasures; cooking, gardening, planting flowers, and caring for her home.

Known for her playful sense of humor Martha had a gift for making people laugh. She could light up any room and remind everyone that laughter is one of life’s sweetest joys.

Her home was always open, her table always full, and her love always abundant, being a blessing to all. Family was the heart of Martha’s world. She poured herself into her children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories that will never fade.

During summer breaks, her grandchildren cherished spending time with her; visiting the flower shop, helping in the garden, and making her famous homemade biscuits together.

Even as age and health began to slow her down, Martha’s love for the Lord never wavered. When she could no longer attend church in person, she faithfully joined the Weed Prayer Line, continuing her spiritual walk and encouraging others through prayer and faith.

Martha was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Rufus and Bernice; her cherished husband, Ernest; her kind siblings; her precious grandsons, Michael, Bakari, and Keon Sr.; her dear son-in-law, Henry; and her beloved daughter, Ernestine.

She leaves to celebrate her life, her loving daughters; LaVerne, Linda, and Janice; her dear son-in-law Mike, her precious grandchildren; Shani, Isaiah, Alisa, Martha, and Erni; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends and family who will forever carry her love in their hearts.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Martha’s life at a Memorial service on Friday, November 14th @ 12:00 pm, held at Mount Shasta Memorial Chapel, 830 Lassen Ln, Mount Shasta, CA. Interment following at Lincoln Heights Cemetery in Weed, CA.

Repast ~ Immediately following services at the Weed Community Center, 161 E Lincoln Ave., Weed, CA 96094

sourced: Mt Shasta Chapel

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