Norma Carolyn Neal McKee, age 80, passed from this earth on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at
8:30 am at her home in rural Starkville, MS of a massive heart attack.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bob McKee, two daughters, Jan McKee Pettus and
Penny McKee Downey, her husband David and daughter-in-law Cissy McKee. One sister,
Katherine Sink and two brothers, Jarone Neal and JW Neal; Five grandchildren, Derek Pettus,
Bradley Downey (Alex), Neal Downey (Holley), Aimee Claire Pettus Holder (Matt), and Jessica
Downey; eight great-grandchildren, Abigail Pettus, Mason Downey, Charlotte Holder, Paxton
Downey, Rebecca Holder, Charlie Downey, Bowen Downey, and Pierce Holder. She was
preceded in death by her son, Bobby Wayne McKee, Jr.
Norma “Nonie” McKee was born on October 23, 1939 to Dessie Mae and Coleman Columbus
Neal in DeKalb, MS. Growing up, her interests included playing basketball and playing piano for
her church. But she excelled at homemaking- she had a natural talent for homemaking skills
such as gardening, cooking, quilting, and all forms of stitchery. These skills, developed during
her formative years, went on to characterize her as the person everyone looked to for
guidance. She knew everything. She just did.
Her family began on June 9, 1957 with her marriage to the love of her life Bob McKee. For
nearly 20 years, that family grew in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in the light of her love and care.
“We” were her world and she was always at the center of ours. Her family attended Becky
Bacot United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and led the youth program.
She spent countless hours at the Aquatic Club of Pascagoula with the swim team, where
became a certified life guard.
In the late 70s, she and Bob relocated their family to Vicksburg, MS. The family grew, with her
always at its center. She worked tirelessly helping with her grandchildren and her daughters’ at
Riverbend Galleries, and Children’s House Montessori School where she, again, made many
lasting relationships. Since moving to the Starkville area in 2009, she was involved in activities
at Artesia Baptist Church, Annunciation Catholic School, and Emerson Family Center.
Nonie made friends wherever she went and was loved by everyone. She will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.