Mayme Frieda McGee

Mayme "Frieda" McGee, age 102 of Louisville, Kentucky, passed into her heavenly home the morning of Thursday, March 19, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Frieda grew up in the “holler” as the youngest of seven children in Beattyville, KY. She has shared many stories and fond memories of those early times of her life. Her love for music began when she started taking piano lessons at the age of seven. Her new passion for the piano blossomed through her high school years at Lee County High School where she was also an excellent student and a cheerleader. Upon graduation, she enrolled in Eastern KY University as a music major and after two years, she entered an excelled piano program at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Upon completion, Frieda attended the University of Kentucky and received her Degree in Music in 1949. That is where she met her husband, Cecil, who was an engineering student and a voice student of the Glee Club. She was assigned to be an accompanist for his practice sessions and the rest is history.

They were soon married and moved to Louisville and started their life and family together. Their passion for music together became a major importance in their lives that they shared in church, ministries and family. Frieda was the organist at Lynnhurst Church for many years and taught piano lessons for several years. She was involved in school and civic activities, Bible study groups, Homemakers and others. She and Cecil were instrumental in bringing the Young Life ministry to Louisville in 1974. They joined Southeast Christian Church in the late 80s where they started the Primetimers Group, participated in multiple music groups and served as Decision Counselors.

Frieda was a woman of God. Her faith and her joy were always exhibited wherever she went…everyone LOVED Frieda! She was a mentor to younger women, always loved to share her music with others and had a wonderful contagious laugh. She enjoyed reading her Bible and sharing scripture with others. Her legacy will continue on within the hearts of others!

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Cecil McGee; her parents William and Elizabeth Cornelius; six siblings: Erma, Mavis, Cathleen, Pensi, Clyde and Burton.

Frieda  is survived by three children: Betsy (Tom), Jim, Bill (Hillary); four grandchildren: Greg (Courtney), Bryan, Reed, Halie (Ignachio); four great grandchildren: Camryn, Ben, Caroline, Lauren; Many nephews, nieces and extended family.

Visitation will be from 9am to 12pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Chapel in the Woods, 1407 Moser Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40299. A celebration of Frieda's life will be there at 12pm Wednesday, with burial to follow in Cave Hill Cemetery.

To leave a special message for the family, please use the "Guestbook" feature below.