Jenny Lind Erickson McGaha was born in Asheville, NC on September 2, 1934, and died on May 4, 2024, in Mills River, NC.

Named for the "Swedish Nightingale", she was the daughter of the late August T. Erickson and Mary Lewis Erickson.

A 1952 graduate of Lee Edwards High School, she graduated from Asheville-Biltmore College and Newberry College. As a senior at Newberry College, she was recognized in the 1956 issue of "Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities."

She was an active member of English Chapel which was established by her great-grandfather, Rev. A.F. English.

Mrs. McGaha taught English at Rosman High School (1959-1961) and biology and English at Brevard High School (1967-1994). She was chairman of the science department at BHS and wrestling statistician for many years.

She served as a volunteer in the pharmacy at the Asheville VA Hospital and in the Emergency Dept. at Transylvania Community Hospital.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Gene McGaha, daughter, Lois Wyatt, grandsons Eric Hudson and Cody Lail, granddaughter, Kelsey McGaha, and sister Johanna Rhew.

Survivors are sons Mark McGaha (Connie) and Dean McGaha (Jennifer), grandchildren: Emily Hudson, Daniel McGaha (Brittany), Avery McGaha (Gillian), Emery McGaha, Gabrielle Tygh, Lindsey McCall (Gus), and Zachary Bracken, great-granddaughters Danika Hudson and Emma McCall, brothers August T. Erickson "Ted" and John Erickson.

"If they ask for me, say: she had some business in another world." -Sokan

A graveside service will be held at 3pm on May 10th, 2024, at Blue Ridge Garden of Memory in Pisgah Forest, NC.

Memorials may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 368 Woodland Hills, CA 91365, English Chapel UMC, PO Box 1074Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, or to Davidson River Cemetery Fund, PO Box 91 Pisgah Forest, NC 28768.