Lydia Kathryn (Harlien) McGhee
Lydia Kathryn (Harlien) McGhee, 63, of Belton, passed away at 12 a.m. June 14, 2019, after a tough two-year battle against glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 19, at 10 a.m. at Dossman Funeral Home chapel in Belton with Dr. Alan Stevens of Baylor Scott & White officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Toliver Cemetery near Hamilton.
She was born to Nora Neville (Hamilton) Harlien and Boyce Noel Harlin on July 9, 1955, in Texas City. She spent her childhood in Texas City, until 1968 when her family moved to Hamilton.
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.
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.
In May 1998, she moved to Belton to start a new chapter of her life.
Lydia married H. Richard McGhee on Dec. 30, 1998. From 1999 to 2006, she was employed by the Central Texas Council of Governments, and served as the executive assistant to A.C. Johnson and 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 Assistant to 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.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Neville and Boyce Harlien, and brother Walter “Butchy” Luce.
Survivors include her husband of more than 20 years, Richard McGhee of Moffat; four daughters, Michele “Shelly” Craig Walker and husband Justin of Montague; Misty Craig Boatwright and husband Colby of Hamilton, Sara McGhee and fiance’ Graeme of Atlanta, Georgia; and Jennifer McGhee Kelleher and husband Kevin of Columbus, Ohio; two sons, Charles Kevin Craig and wife Courtney and Christopher “Chris” Craig and wife Jennifer, all of Hamilton; nine grandchildren, Preston, JonDavid, and Chaz Cunningham of Montague, Landry Millican and husband Justin, Marley Boatwright, Kasidy Craig, Kenedy Craig, Brandi Batson and husband Michael, and Blain Parrish, all of Hamilton; four great grandchildren, Braycin Parrish, Cooper and Aubree Batson and Presley Millican, all of Hamilton; two sisters, Lecia Adams and husband Joe and Lana Hassell and husband Vernon, all of Abilene; a brother, Boyce Bill Harlien, of Abilene; sister-in-law Carol Luce of New Braunfels; and 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 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.
Memorial donations in memory of Lydia Kathryn McGhee may be made to the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving by going to www.rosalyncarter.org and selecting “Support RCI.”
