W.T. Shumake & Daughters

March 6, 1952- February 19, 2025

JimEtta Gaye Carter McGinnis, 72, of Louisville transitioned on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Visitation 12-2 Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral to follow at 2pm.

JimEtta Gaye Carter McGinnis entered this world on March 6,1952 , as the daughter of Pauline Mullins and James G. ( Jimmy ) Carter. She grew up in a loving family environment with older siblings Katherine and Paul. Being one of many grandchildren of Luther and Beatrice Mack, she was taught that all first cousins were like brothers and sisters. She practiced that belief until the very end.

She was educated at Perry Elementary, Russell Junior High, concluding with her graduation from Louisville Male High School in 1970.

It was at Male High School that she met her first husband, Willie J. Peterson. This union produced her only child and apple of her eye, son Derrick, who fathered her only grandchild, Kiah, whom she adored. She later married Charles McGinnis.

JimEtta retired on Disability from General Electric after many years of service. She made many friends there and kept in touch with some of them after retirement, including Sallie Carr and husband.

JimEtta battled several forms of cancer (breast, lung, bone, liver and finally, brain cancer) for more than seven years, yet she steadfastly refused to give up. She would say this battle isn’t mine, it’s the Lords. She didn’t complain about her illnesses, nor did she let it stop her from participating in Cancer Walks or attending church. She was a member of New Horizon Baptist Church. During her final months, she faithfully attended First Baptist Church of Jeffersontown.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and both former husbands.

JimEtta shared a special, loving relationship with her niece, Dr, Traci Edwards and husband Kevin Edwards. Traci and Kevin went above and beyond providing and caring for her during her illness. Sometimes they bought supplies and equipment before HOSPICE could get it there. If Traci and Kevin knew of JimEtta’s needs or “wants” they generously provided it.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, JimEtta departed this life. She is already missed by her family and friends. Her survivors include, son Derrick Peterson, granddaughter Kiah Peterson;, sister Katherine Corbett, brother Paul W. (Eunice) Mullins; nephews Paul J. Mullins, Aaron Corbett D’Aarron, Jerron and Keion Crawford (nephews and children of her late adopted late sister Nechelle Crawford). Nieces Dr. Traci (Kevin) Edwards, Ashley (Charles) Stoner and Regina Corbett and brother-in-law, Jerron Crawford, Sr. Also left to treasure her memory are 18 other " brothers and sister cousins), in laws Darlene McGinnis and Ricky McGinnis plus a host of great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.