Arnetta Estell Mcgee

Arnetta Estell Campbell McGee was born July 13, 1930 in Freeport Illinois to the late John and Florence (O'Neal) Campbell. She was a sister to her eldest brother, Adelbert Lee Campbell and younger brother, John Conaz Campbell II. Arnetta married Frank McGee on November 10, 1951 in Freeport Illinois. From this union, Karen McGee Portis and LaFrancine McGee Baker were born. She was a 1948 graduate of Freeport High School and later attended West Virginia State College in Institute West Virginia. In 1965 she attended classes at Petsalozzi-Froebel Teachers College in Chicago Illinois to complete her degree. In 1967 she received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She received her Master's Degree in Reading Recovery in 1991 at Rockford College. Arnetta taught first grade with the Freeport School District 145 for 36 years. After her formal retirement, she continued to work as a Coordinator for Reading Tutors in elementary schools in the district for another seven years. She taught first grade at Harlem School until its closing. She then taught at Taylor Park until her retirement. Arnetta has been a member of St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for 87 years. She has served in several capacities. Her current roles included Pianist, Sunday School Teacher and Student. She previously served as Chair for the Steward Board, Missionary Society, Annual Tea, and Women's Day. She passed unexpectedly and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 28, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, John W. and Florence Campbell, brothers, Adelbert Lee (Louise) Campbell and John Conaz (Ora Lee) Campbell, son-in-law, Kevin L. Baker, Sr., God Parents, Joe and Estell Allen and God Sister, Dorothy Ross. Arnetta leaves to continue her family legacy, her husband of 66 years, Frank McGee, daughters, Karen A. (Alvin Sr.) Portis and LaFrancine F. Baker, four grandchildren, Alvin (Willona) Portis Jr., LaNeosho (Michael) Bradley, Kevin Baker, and Alexander Portis and five great grandchildren. Visitation will be on Friday, July 6, 2018 from 4:00-8:00 PM at St. James C.M.E. Church, 1001 E. Empire St., Freeport, IL. A Time of Reflections-6:00 PM. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Jeanette Lloyd Theatre, Freeport Junior High School, 701 W. Empire, Freeport, IL.. Visitation 9:30 AM until time of service . Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Arnetta's memory.