Zelda (Swofford) McGee

Zelda Swofford McGee, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024. For the past several years, she faced many health problems, but with spunk and determination, she held on to the age of 90. Her final days were filled with love and laughter as her family members held vigil in her room at Springs of Catawba in Hickory, North Carolina.

Zelda was the daughter of the late Blanche Harrison and Garrett Hobart “Hub” Swofford. She was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Swofford, her first husband, John “Babe” Ogle, and second husband, Danny McGee

She is survived by her four daughters: Deborah (Bob) Hicks of North Cove, Pam (Doug) Miller of Spruce Pine, Dana (Skip) Haynes of Morganton, and Donna McGee of Granite Falls, and her beloved grandchildren: Starla Baldwin, Bridget Miller, Mark (Leah) Miller, Landon (Leah) Haynes, Rosemary (Witt) Pinkerton, CJ McGee, and ten great-grandchildren.

In addition, she is survived by her brothers, Joe (Sue) Swafford and Ed Swofford, and her sisters, Wanda (Richard) Helton, and Dr. Cheryl Swofford. Zelda is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

Ms. Zelda loved spending time with her family, reading, watching basketball, and the beach. She was a good cook, with desserts as her specialty, and loved attending reunions and family dinners of any sort. She was always ready for a cookout at any time, and loved going to eat at a fish camp.

Zelda had an incredible work ethic - from her first job in high school, to Kroger, to her last job in the cafeteria at Hickory High School (and many jobs in between), she loved working. Her co-workers became like family to her, and she loved many of them dearly.

Zelda was an intelligent, wise woman, with a great personality. She enjoyed giving advice and sharing stories of growing up in North Cove as well her life adventures. Her knack for making friends and making people laugh was still evident as she progressed through her last years. She kept folks entertained wherever she went - though she could get a little feisty at times - those times didn’t last long, and she would ultimately leave folks with a smile and funny story.

A Gathering of Friends will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Hickory Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the kind, caring staff at Springs of Catawba and the wonderful nurses and staff from Medi-Home Hospice for taking excellent care of Zelda during the last year.

If you would like to honor Zelda, hug your family, plan a family get-together, go out to enjoy a good meal, watch a basketball game, or just sit on the front porch and read a book.