JoAnn "Jody" McKee

It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of our beloved Jody who her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called home after a courageous battle with leukemia. She was so brave and surrounded by loved ones when she peacefully took her last breath. Jody was of the Baptist faith and attended multiple churches over the years and didn’t fear death.

Jody had the heart of a child. She loved all living things especially her yorkies that she called her babies. Jody made friends with everyone she met. Her laughter lit up the room like a ray of sunshine which we will sadly miss. Children were drawn to her because she would play with them for hours and showered them with gifts.

She leaves a legacy of love and a true example of how we should treat one another. Jody was preceded in death by her parents Dallas and Martha (Hampton) Graham and her nephew Graham Logan Winton. Jody is survived by her loving sons Jimmy Lee (Little Man) McKee (Abby) and Justin M. McKee, grandson Nathan Lee McKee, granddaughter’s Bethany Connatser (Matt) and Meredith Witt and great grandchildren Adalyn, Taelyn, Carson Witt. Nieces and Nephews, Lynsie Helton (Kade), Lukas Myers, Lily Myers, Easton and Holston Helton, who called her Mammaw Jody, devoted sisters Norma Graham Winton, Lisa Michelle Himes (Martin), brothers Bruce Ray Graham, Dallas Steven Graham (Sarah), several other nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

The family expresses our appreciation to all the medical staff at the University Memorial Hospital Cancer Specialists who cared for her with great compassion and to all family and friends who have been so supportive during these past several months.

The family will receive friends at Smith Mortuary from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday, March 24,2025 with the service to follow. The Reverends Gary Cooper and Gary Cowan will officiate. Music by Charlie and Sue Lambert.

Graveside service and interment with Reverend Terry Wilson officiating on March 25, 2025, at 11:00 am at Kagley’s Chapel on Six Mile Road. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000.