- Date Of Birth: July 9, 1955
- Date Of Death: June 14, 2019
- State: Texas
Lydia McGhee, July 9, 1955 – June 14, 2019.
Lydia Kathryn (Harlien) McGhee, 63, of Belton, passed away at 12:00 a.m. June14th , 2019. She fought a tough battle against Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain Cancer for two years.
She loved her family and was an amazing mother, Granny Lala, wife, sister, aunt, and friend to everyone. Lydia touched many people’s lives, and all would agree that she was kind, caring, and beautiful inside and out. She was born to Nora Neville (Hamilton) Harlien and Boyce Noel Harlien on July 9th, 1955, in Texas City, TX. She spent her childhood in Texas City, until 1968 when her family moved to Hamilton, TX. She spent her teenage and early adult years in Hamilton and raised four children.
Her children were the focus of her life and she sacrificed everything for their health, wellbeing, and safety. During her time in Hamilton, she was involved in several community organizations and active in her children’s school endeavors and events. In Hamilton, she was employed by both Children and Adult Protective Services. In May 1998, she moved to Belton to start a new chapter in her life. Lydia married H. Richard McGhee on December 30th , 1998. From 1999 to 2006 she was employed by the Central Texas Council of Governments, and served as the Executive Assistant to both Mr. A.C. Johnson and Mr. Jim Reed, CTCOG Executive Directors.
After her time as Executive Assistant, she returned to work in human services and served as Director of Marketing and Assistance for Hill Country Community Action Agency. During her time at Hill Country she was instrumental in engaging with community partners to improve the lives of Central Texans. She dedicated her life to helping her community, and it was in this role that she drew the most satisfaction because she was able to impart her kindness and empathy to others. She retired from Hill Country in December 2016.
Lydia and Richard led a dynamic and fulfilling life together. She enjoyed traveling from coast to coast; the Virginia Mountains and San Francisco were her favorite
destinations. Her favorite activities also included spending time with friends and family, boating on Lake Belton, nurturing her native Texas landscape gardens, and shopping for shoes.
Lydia was preceded in death by her parents Neville and Boyce Harlien, and brother Walter “Butchy” Luce.
Lydia is survived by her husband of 20+ years Richard McGhee of Moffat; 4daughters Michele “Shelly” Craig Walker and husband Justin of Montague, Texas, Misty Craig Boatwright and husband Colby of Hamilton, Sara McGhee and fiance Graeme of Atlanta, Georgia; and Jennifer McGhee Kelleher and husband Kevin Kelleher of Columbus, Ohio; 2 sons Charles Kevin Craig and wife Courtney Craig, Christopher “Chris” Craig and wife Jennifer, all of Hamilton; 9 Grandchildren Preston, Jon David, and Chaz Cunningham all of Bowie, Texas; Landry and husband Justin Millican, Marley Boatwright, Kasidy Craig, Kenedy Craig, Brandi Batson and husband Michael, and Blain Parrish all of Hamilton, Texas. 4 Great grandchildren, Braycin Parrish, Cooper and Aubree Batson, and Presley Millican all of Hamilton, Texas. 2 sisters Lecia Adams and husband Joe, Lana Hassell and husband Vernon, all of Abilene, 1 brother Boyce Bill Harlien, of Abilene, and sister in law Carol Luce ,from New Braunfels. Numerous nieces and nephews that she loved. Lydia had a life well lived and will be missed dearly by friends and family. The family is so appreciative of the care given to her by Dr. Fonkem and the Baylor Scott & White neuro-oncology team, and by Ms. Annie McCall and her staff at Park Place Manor.
