Erika Chiffon McGhee

Erika Chiffon McGhee of Emporia, VA passed away suddenly on November 17, 2021 from heart failure.

Erika was born on July 31, 1979 in Kansas City, KS to the union of Anthony McGhee, Sr. and Patricia Ann (Jefferson) McGhee. She enjoyed a happy childhood with trips to Disney, ski trips, birthdays and holidays. She participated in school activities such as cheerleading, gymnastics, softball, swimming, the debate team and acting in school plays. She was loved as the only daughter and the only sister. She accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at an early age. She graduated in 1997 from South Lakes High in Reston, Va.

During her sophomore year at the University of Maryland, she began to experience racing thoughts and voices which affected her speech, behavior and studies. Seeking solutions to her problems she began to self-medicate with alcohol and other substances. Eventually, after a lengthy hospital stay, a correct diagnosis of paranoia schizophrenia, and a plethora of medications before ending the one that worked for her without the terrible side effects, she was herself again. She began to make her dreams come true.

She enjoyed employment in the sales department at the University of Phoenix, while pursuing and earning her Bachelor Degree in Marketing. After graduation she worked at Volkswagen. She purchased a condo in Reston, VA. She travelled to the Bahamas, Maui, Orlando, Myrtle Beach and other vacation spots. She met and married Kasey B Spriggs, Sr., realizing her dream of love and a destination wedding in Jamaica. She became a mother. Out of concern for her unborn baby and the desire to breastfeed, she stopped taking her medication during and after her pregnancy. The mental illness that had been controlled through therapy and medication came roaring back with a vengeance. Postpartum blues exacerbated the symptoms.

Believing that she no longer needed medication, because she had done well without it during her pregnancy, she was reluctant to restart the regime that had helped her in the past. Thus the pattern of short hospital stays and self-medication began. It eventually caused an addiction to alcohol and the use of street drugs. She did enter rehab on two different occasions. When a person is on and off the medicine, each time it takes higher doses of medicine and a longer time to achieve relief. This causes the person to stop taking the medicine and the vicious cycle continues. If you are reading this and have someone in your family suffering from any type of mental illness, please be understanding, and show them lovingkindness.

Erika never lost her faith in God. She loved the Lord. During more peaceful times, she would attend church and study the Bible. She would repent and want to be baptized again. She is sleeping now, waiting for the Lord’s return, in paradise, and/or present with the Lord. What we know for certain is that she has not perished but has everlasting life for she believed on the Son of God.

She is survived by those who will cherish her memory: her children, Kasey B. Spriggs, Jr. and Eva C. McGhee; her parents, Anthony McGhee, Sr. and Patricia Ann (Jefferson) McGhee; five brothers, Dean R. Jefferson (Rosanna) of East Providence, RI, Dane A. Jefferson of Washington DC, Duane E. Harpe (Kendra) of Marietta, GA, Anthony McGhee, Jr. (Victoria) of Centreville, VA and Adam Z. McGhee (Teresa) of Fredericksburg, VA; a maternal grandmother, Nancy Z. Greene of Grovetown, GA and a special aunt, Gayle McGhee of Kansas City, KS; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Ms. McGhee's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Ms. Erika Chiffon McGhee.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

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