Naomi McKamie

Naomi Reatha (Mitchell) McKamie transcended this mortal plane at 10:05 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Eunice Smith Nursing Home.  She was born July 31, 1932 in Alton, Illinois to the late Benjamin and Trudie (Evans) Mitchell. She was the last of seven children born to this union.  Naomi received her formal education in the Alton Public School system, graduating from Alton Senior High School in 1950.  On November 13, 1958, Naomi R. Mitchell and Walter F. McKamie, Jr. were united in Holy Matrimony. Although they later separated and eventually divorced many years later, Walter and Naomi remained friends and Walter would call regularly to check on Naomi and her two "boys," Steve and Greg who he lovingly raised as his own.Mrs. McKamie was a longtime and active member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Over the years, Mrs. McKamie served as church clerk, group captain, adult women's Sunday School teacher, summer Vacation Bible School class instructor, and teacher and presenter of the church's weekly Mission lessons. Sister McKamie was especially appreciated for her vibrant, welcoming, and supportive personality and most especially for the infectious enthusiasm she brought to and engendered in the members of her Vacation Bible School classrooms. The skits she wrote, and that the members of her classes performed on the last day of Vacation Bible School, became to be greatly anticipated each year by all the VBS attendees.Naomi accepted employment at the Alton Mental Health and Developmental Center on June 30, 1957 where she worked until her retirement as a Mental Health Technician IV on  November 30, 1991.  During her more than three decades of work at the Alton Mental Health Center, Naomi developed many lifelong friendships with fellow staff members and formed bonds with the patients she served there.  Her dedication was such that even as it became time for her to retire, her concern was about what would become of the patients she would be leaving behind, many of whom had come to love her for her care, encouragement, and compassion for them over the years. After her retirement from Alton Mental Health Center, Naomi devoted her remaining years to cultivating special relationships with her family, church, and friends. She will always be known for the close bonds that she cherished with her "two boys," Greg and Steve for whom she would do anything to support in any way that she could. Anyone who knew Naomi knows that her devotion as a mother to her two sons will be her lasting legacy.Naomi McKamie, affectionately known as “Nay” by family members and friends, will—even in failing health--always be remembered as a devoted friend and a loving and supportive mother.Naomi McKamie is survived by two sons, Gregory F. and Stephen D. Mitchell of Alton; two granddaughters, Naomi Mitchell of Washington D. C. and Katrina Mitchell of Alton; one aunt, Maude Mitchell and one sister-in-law, Margaret Mitchell, both of Alton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She and one cousin, Neamon Mitchell of Florissant  share a special bond. Neamon always referred to Nay as his favorite cousin.In addition to her father and mother, Naomi was preceded in death by three sisters, Gwendolyn (Mitchell) Flowers, Eddie Mae (Mitchell) McCollough and Madonna (Mitchell) Connors; three brothers, Thomas E. Mitchell, Sr., Reverend Horace N. Mitchell and Robert E. Mitchell; and two nieces, Rita Thorne (Gwendolyn) and Sheila Mitchell (Robert).Visitation:  Thursday, March 12  from 4:00 p.m. until time of service at 6:00 p.m. at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2621 Amelia Street, Alton with Pastor John W. Buford officiating.  Internment at Upper Alton Cemetery will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday morning, March 13. Cathy M. Williams and Sons Funeral Home in Alton in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Sister McKamie can be made to the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund.Online condolences available at www.cmwillialmsfh.com

Obit Provided By:
Cathy M Williams & Sons Funeral Home