It was during the early morning of September 16, 2023 that Ms. Jewlene McGill, aka “Mother,” transitioned from earth to glory. She was born on January 14, 1945 to the late Bertha McGill Surratt and the late J.D. Hull.

She spent most of her youth and young adult life working on the family farm, rearing children, and cooking. Her cooking was her most notable skill, winning first place for her southern fried chicken. However, her turkey wings, candied yams, fried cabbage, potato salad were just a few additional dishes she was known for.

Her greatest joy was going to church and serving God; along with cooking for family and friends. She also found fun and joy fellowshipping with her church family and Senior Choir. Her greatest attribute was sharing love and wisdom to family and friends. Her famous quote was, “It’s because of the love of Jesus.” Her life exemplified her love for Jesus as her Lord and Savior through her radiant smile, soft touch, and caring gestures. The etymology of her name describes her perfectly, a precious stone. Indeed, she was precious to all she met. She was the epitome of God’s love that will forever shine bright in those who knew her.

As a lifelong member of Ellis Chapel Baptist Church, she was faithful in attendance and a member of the Senior Choir. She faithfully attended online Sunday school, Bible Study, and worship service. She took pleasure in knowing Sunday was coming, which meant fellowshipping with her church family, and most importantly worshipping and serving God.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, William McGill and Walter McGill and her sisters, Mary Frances Hull, Betty Sue McGill, Lorene Phillips, Mary Jean Surratt, Margaret Wilson and Pauline Williams.

She leaves to cherish her sweetest memories; two sons Robert Lee McGill (Sharon) of Acworth Georgia, and Antonio McGill, Shelby, N.C. Two daughters Cathy McGill Jefferies (Nathaniel) of Grover, N.C. and Margaret Faye McGill of Shelby, N.C. In addition to her biological children she also reared her late sister’s children as her own. Dr. Linda Williams Lockhart (Ray, Jr.), Katheline Lott, Terri Williams Hopper (Robert), John McGill (Yvette) all of Shelby, N.C. and the late James Marshall Feaster. A special daughter Annie Carol Smith (Robert). Her pride and joy were three grandchildren, in which she raised into adulthood; Cordelia McGill Haynes (Omar) of Charlotte, N.C. Lewis Gash, of Shelby, N.C. and Brittany Gash Thorpe (Tracy) of Chesapeake, Virginia. Seven great-grand-children, Aaris, Gavin, Jordan and Journee Gash; Trent and Taylor Thorpe, and Carson Haynes. Four sisters; Dorothy Bell, Clover, S.C. Parthenia Strong (Bob), Loretta Wright (Dennis) and Kathleen Hardin (Bobby) all of Shelby, N.C. A special nephew she cherished as her own, Steven Phillips, and a host of nieces and nephews who were very special to her. Close friends, Dorothy Hopper, Mrs. Linda Roseboro, Janice Watkins, Gertrude Whitener, Faye Beam, and her best friend, Louise Bradshaw, all known as the “Golden Girls.” Her prayer partners: Rev. Rose Corry and Rev. Over Lee Abraham. Although she loved her entire church family, the following were near and dear to her heart; Annie Mintz Huskey, Shirley Edwards, Eleanor Davis, Sally Hopper, Vickie Hamrick, Catherine Kee, and Sheena Twitty.

Mother loved and was loved by many and she will truly be missed. She found an uncanny way to find joy and pleasure in the simple things in life. She shared with her family that Jesus was waiting on her. The wait is now over, she is in the land of no more. No more pain, no more cancer, no more dying. Your family misses you, but IT IS WELL WITH OUR SOUL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Ellis Chapel Baptist Church. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 1:30 PM on Saturday and daily from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at her residence, 218, T. R. Harris Drive Apt. I1 Shelby.