4/25/47 to 6/21/18
Long time business owner and Jacksonville resident Alice McGee died in her home on the summer solstice eve. She lived a full and vibrant life with few regrets.
Alice was born to Arthur and Rachel Peterson in 1947. She grew up in Jacksonville in the 1950’s, when Jacksonville was the wrong side of the tracks. She was a survivor, who became a successful self-made businesswomen, fancy auntie, wonderful mother and matriarch of the Peterson clan. She was notorious for her sharp wit, strong nature, fierce compassion, and endless love for her family. Her local reputation was built upon the fame of her fashionable clothing stores, McGee and Me, McGee on Main, KIXX, and The Cotton Broker. She passed on the latter two stores to her niece and daughter, who are proud to continue her incredible legacy.
Alice was an enthusiastic reader, writer, and traveler who enjoyed sharing her experience with others as a mentor and teacher to many. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Alix George, lifelong best friend Kate Smith, sister Sandra Ditto, many nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends and admirers.
The meaning of life is to love and be loved, and Alice did both to the fullest extent. Her only regret was not having more time to spend with her daughter, who she considered her purpose for living, and her greatest achievement in life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Medford Gospel Mission or Asante Hospice. A celebration of life, or as Alice preferred to call it, a damn good party, will be held at Jacksonville’s US Hotel Ballroom on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 4-8pm. Please RSVP to acg34@live.com.
My sister was one of her best friends in High school (Karen Maxson) Kate, Karen and Alice were thick as thieves and were so much fun to be around. (Being the little sister, I wasn’t always welcomed to hang out, but I they were so much fun and funny!). I also have to mention, I got Alice’s hand me downs, there weren’t too many girls that were tall and skinny like us, AND SHE HAD GREAT CLOTHES THEN TOO! My sincere condolences to the family. Alice was a delightful person.
Looking forward to learning more about Alice at the party. We only recently got to be friends, though I knew her through the store for years. She was much admired and will be sadly missed.
Alice was creative and remarkable. Besides being so much fun Alice always knew exactly what to suggest you should wear to make you look like a million dollars! She definitely loved and was loved. What a special person. My love to Alix and Kate.