Bishop Jerome M. McGhee Sr.

Bishop Jerome Maceo McGhee, Sr., age 66, was born October 21, 1958, in Charleston, West Virginia to Moses Hairston and Bettie Jean McGhee-Whitaker. He attended Linden McKinley High School, was a U.S. Army Veteran, and earned several degrees, from Associate to Doctorate level in Business and Ministry specializations. He served as Pastor of Christ Ministries Therapeutic Community Church in Columbus, Ohio. He went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Bishop McGhee, affectionately known by many as “Brother Prince,” led an inspirational, and productive career, providing service, support, and leadership to countless individuals as he operated
in roles as mentor, counselor, supervisor, and director among others, throughout the Central Ohio area for over 30 years, including, Juvenile and Adult Courts and Correctional Centers and many behavioral health and re-entry providers. He retired from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction after serving across several counties.

Bishop McGhee was a remarkable man whose journey of life was filled with stories of meaningful relationships, extraordinary experiences, and a legacy of unwavering faith, generosity, and love. His childhood was filled with adventure and mischief. He told stories of his upbringing, coming of age, and into his own that rocked rooms with laughter and filled souls with the potential to believe in a God that can do anything. His life is a testimony of the power to overcome, serve, and lead well, while navigating the mountaintops and valleys of life, with tenacity and grace.

Bishop McGhee married his beloved wife Lisa Ann McGhee on June 24, 1995. Together they led a family focused on values and being of service. He was a dedicated member and leader in several Christian congregations before responding to the call as founder of Christ Ministries Therapeutic Community Church in 2001, to provide a place where God is worshiped, people are loved, disciples are created and sent out to engage and serve others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Moses Hairston and Bettie Jean McGhee-Whitaker; daughter, Banisha McGhee; and four grandchildren.

Bishop McGhee leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Lisa McGhee; children, Seniqua McGhee, Jerome McGhee Jr., Nisaá (James) Robinson, Maceo Flemister-McGhee, India Conley-
McGhee, Asia McGhee, and Prince McGhee; siblings, Bridgette McGhee-Williams, William McGhee, Michael McGhee-Bivens, Mia Cleveland-Williams, Cornelius Cleveland, Troy Cleveland and Aqueelah Hairston; trusted co-laborer in the kingdom, James Robinson, 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.

Known as a Builder of Men, Bishop McGhee was an awesome servant of God, husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend, teacher, and mentor. His unconditional love and acceptance, charismatic and magnetic spirit, and sharp but smooth style touched everyone he encountered, leaving them seen, heard, known, and loved - absolutely! He was a life-long learner, master trainer, author, and impactful speaker. He ran an amazing race, finished his course, kept the faith, and transitioned into the loving presence of our Eternal Father. Although his physical presence will be greatly missed, his legacy lives forever in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bishop Jerome M. McGhee Sr., please visit our floral store.