Lonnie McGill Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Lonnie McGill was born on January 28, 1944 in Jackson, Mississippi to J.C. and Martha McGill. While there, he received his formal education. As an adolescent, Lonnie began his journey as a musician, transitioning into his young adulthood, he continued to refine his musical talents. In 1974, Lonnie relocated to Kankakee, IL. He and his twin brother, Johnnie McGill, began singing with a local quartet group. He also sang throughout the community. Lonnie met Gloria Jean Ervin whom he married on August 20, 1982. To this union four children were born. Lonnie joined True Vine Church under the leadership of Elder Abram Lane. There he raised his family and served as the minister of music. He and his wife were known for singing duets together while his children accompanied them on the instruments. This made his heart glad. After many years of dedicated service, Lonnie joined The Liberation Worship Center under the leadership of Bishop Roger Lane. There he served until his passing. Lonnie was a strong supporter of the quartet groups in Kankakee County, where he often served as Master of Ceremony. These groups included: The Burtis Sisters, The Lane Sisters, The Rosenthal Singers, Gospel Harmonettes, Mama Bobo and the Angels, and the Hopkins Park Singers amongst others. Lonnie was known throughout the community for singing soul-stirring solos and playing his guitar which was also his passion. He also acted as a mentor to new musicians in the community, birthing two of his own. Lonnie’s proudest moments were watching his sons Matthew who plays the bass and Marcus who plays the guitar and drums serve as musicians for area churches. Lonnie was employed by Gould Battery, Brandon House, and Jones Funeral Home as a driver. In his spare time, Lonnie enjoyed serving friends and family by fixing cars earning his reputation of being an awesome mechanic. He was also known for his jokes, which often began as a story and ending with laughter. Lonnie was known for his appearance which consisted of a suit or dress attire with a hat that matched perfectly; he was adored by those that encountered him. “Some glad morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away;” the lyrics of one of the songs that Lonnie often sang. Thus, on the morning of November 3, he made his transition and gained his wings. Lonnie leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Gloria, his only daughter, Lonyae (Octavious) McGill, sons, Artemus Ervin and Marcus (Christina) McGill, all of Kankakee, IL, Matthew (Raven) McGill of Bourbonnais, IL, Terrance (Christian) Ervin of Aurora, CO, Lonnie (Juamana) McGill Jr. of Jackson, MS, Jason (Andrea) McGill of Detroit, MI, daughter-in-law, Nikki McGill of Jackson, MS; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; identical twin brother, Johnnie (Ada) McGill and sister, Elizabeth James of Jackson, MS and sister, Mary Louise McGill of Momence, IL; aunt, Barbara Bennett of San Diego, CA; Goddaughters, Tiffany Lane and Jessie Mae Bolar of Kankakee, IL; special friends, Jimmie Smith, Frank Rowe and Steve Hunter and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Martha McGill, his son, Dwayne McGill, and his best friend, Deacon Tommy Lane.

Tributes

Lonnie McGill

January 28, 1944 - November 3, 2020