Reverend Delaine K. McGhee, 71

Reverend Delaine K. (Smith) McGhee, 71 of Ashland, transitioned from this life to eternal life on December 29, 2021.

She leaves to be consoled with wonderful memories of adventures: daughter-Deedra (Bryan) McDonnell, grandsons-Darnell (Toni) McGhee, Devin McGhee, granddaughter-DeMia Jordan, and great grandchildren: Lily Clifford, Darnell McGhee Jr., Donovan McGhee-of Jacksonville, Florida; D’Zavier Jordan, Dainian McFadden and D’Liyah McFadden of Ashland, Ohio.

She leaves brothers and sisters who will support and encourage each another in the coming days: Darlene Miller, Dennis Smith (Michelle), Dean Daniel, Dana Daniel (Sharon), Rev. De Wayne Smith (Linda), Drusilla (William) Caldwell, Danita (Terry) Rickett, as well as a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.
Delaine is preceded death by husband, Eddie; father, Alonzo Smith, mother, Dorothy Daniel, brothers: Darrell Cansler, Ronald Cansler, Donald Smith, Pete Daniel and sisters: Denise Smith and Donna Renner.

Delaine taught in the Ashland City School District (Edison Elementary) for 31 years and pastored for 23 ½ years leading St. Luke UMC, Orrville, Ohio; Bethel UMC, Wooster, Ohio, and Grafton UMC, Grafton, Ohio.
Her joy was being with family and spending time vacationing with them in Myrtle Beach, Hollywood, New York City, and various places and sights along the way.

She also had a passion for teaching and preaching.

Delaine was very active having served with Judge Michael McKinley on various committees for youth; one of the founding directors of Choice Place; board member of Hospice of North Central Ohio and Appleseed as well as serving the church on the General Commission of Religion and Race, Conference Board of Ministry, District Board of Ministry and delegate to the 2016 General Conference of the United Methodist Church and the North Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

“We Can Do This!” was her mantra when things were tough. When things were great or in need of a boost, “TA DA!” but most will remember that she always: F.R.O.G (Fully Relied On God).

This life was but a journey, a great journey with bumps and burps, but nonetheless wonderful. Sometimes rocky and rough, other times smooth sailing but whatever the situation Jesus was at the helm and so the journey has ended and “Captain” Jesus has granted her rest from her long battle with health issues and to that—TA DA!!! FROG (Fully Rely On God)

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church, 220 Sandusky Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 with Bishop Tracey S. Malone officiating. Interment will follow in the Ashland Cemetery. Friends may call Monday, January 3, 2022 in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland County Cancer Association, 1011 East Main Street, Suite A, Ashland, Ohio, 44805.

For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.