Magda McCormick, the daughter of the late Ben West and Lillian (Lily) Craft departed this world peacefully on September 20, 2020 surrounded by family at the age of 91.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph William “Joe Bill” McCormick; a daughter, Angela Elizabeth McCormick; and a son-in-law, Buddy Bethea; three brothers; Ben D. “Tiny Boy” West, Wayne West, Van West and his wife Yvonne; her sister, Guynell Smart; and her husband, Malcolm.
Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of sister, Mickey Penton and husband Curt; two children, Alisa McCormick Bethea and Tracy Joseph McCormick; six grandchildren, J. Paul McCormick and wife Claire; Skylar Bethea Davis and husband Gerald; Tyler Bethea; Beaux Bethea and fiancée Emma; Blake Langton and wife Crystal; and Drayton McCormick; and five great-grandchildren, Aniyah Davis; Jayden Davis; Dakoda Davis; Paisley Langton; Ethan Langton; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. All of whom she loved dearly.
Magda was born on February 20, 1929 near Anacoco, Louisiana. She graduated from Anacoco High in 1946 and went on to attend Northwestern State College. She received her BS degree in 1951 and her Masters in 1961. Immediately after college she worked for the LSU Extension Service for three years. After leaving the extension service she married Joe Bill McCormick, and the couple made Many their home. Then she was employed by the Sabine Parish School Board to teach Home Economics at Negreet High School, where she remained for many years. After leaving Negreet, she moved to Florien High School to become their school counselor for 20 years. She retired from Sabine Parish School Board in 1986, only to return to work in Vernon Parish as a counselor at East Leesville Elementary, Vernon Parish Middle School, Leesville High and South Fort Polk, before retiring with 51 years in education.
Magda was also an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, and the First Baptist Church of Many. In 2014 she was recognized by the state of Louisiana and Sabine Parish for her outstanding dedication and service for 51 years in education. At that time, she was also honored with a key to the city and a celebration tea hosted by the First Baptist Church. In 2017 she was awarded the Sabine Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award.
Magda will always be remembered for her wonderful “gift of gab”, her pristine appearance, her dedication to her students, her love for her family, and most importantly, her faith.
The family expresses a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jack Corley, his staff; and Kristie Thompson, Alice Davenport, and Lashonda Howard of Superior Hospice for their loving care in her final days.
Pallbearers were J. Paul McCormick, Tyler Bethea, Beaux Bethea, Gerald Davis, Blake Langton, and Jayden Davis.
Service was held on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Many. Burial followed at St. John Cemetery.