Source: http://www.sebrellfuneralhome.com/obituaries.html

Hylda Marie Carr Meeks

Hylda Marie Carr Meeks, 90, passed away peacefully at home with her children by her side on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010 from complications following several strokes. Hylda was born on Sept. 5, 1920 to parents Wallace Washington Carr & Daisy Daniels Carr in Carr Community, MS. She was the youngest of Wallace and Daisy's seven children, and enjoyed growing up on their small farm. Hylda excelled in both academics and sports in high school, where she was often called on to substitute as teacher in lower grades. She participated in basketball and volleyball, where she was captain of both teams, regularly making it to state tournaments.

Upon graduation from Pineville High School, she moved to Jackson to attend Draughn's Business College. She lived there with her sister and brother-in-law, Ethel & Silas Boyles, and their children Derwood and Joy, who were like brother and sister to her. Upon completion of her work at, Draughn's she began her career in retail at the Black & White Store, which eventually changed its name to Shainberg's Department Store. It was there she met Eldon Ray Meeks, who was then Manager of the store. They married on January 1, 1941. The course of Ray's advancing career took the couple to the city of Tupelo, MS, and then to Little Rock, Arkansas, where they made lifetime friends. While in Tupelo, Hylda and Ray were initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star, an organization which was to become central to their social life. In Arkansas, they built a much-beloved cabin on the Ouachita River where they could escape from city life, a happy pastime which they continued in subsequent years with rustic cabins on Blue Lake and Mayes Lake in Mississippi. When Ray became Shainberg's Southern District Manager, they moved back to Jackson. In 1948 they purchased land for a home using Hylda's savings, and by 1949 their large, custom-designed home on Hawthorn Drive was complete. In November of that same year, their son, Eldon Ray Meeks, Jr., was born.

The following decades were active ones for Hylda, filled full with church, social, and parenting activities. Hylda taught children's Sunday School classes at Galloway United Methodist Church and became President of and earned the honor of lifetime membership in the United Methodist Women. As a parent she served as Homeroom Parent, Den Mother in Scouting, and Field Trip Chaperone. It was during this time that Hylda's career in the Order of the Eastern Star began to rise. As a member of Jackson Chapter # 47, she attained the office of Worthy Matron, followed by a state-level appointment as Grand Marshal in 1955. From 1958 to 1961 she served as District Deputy Grand Matron. In 1964 her ability and service to the Order was recognized with her election to the office of Associate Grand Conductress, a position which advanced her to the office of Worthy Grand Matron of the state from 1966-67. She presided over the ``Heritage and Hospitality'' session of the Mississippi Grand Chapter, which is still considered one of the most outstanding in the state's history and is still talked about by members all over the state.

During this time of service to the O.E.S., Hylda continued her other social and parenting activities. Her daughter, Hylda Renee, was born in 1962. Hylda embarked on years of dedication to the raising of this daughter, just as she had with her son, participating in school and scouting activities with her children. She managed to find the time to serve as Chapter Mom for her son's Demolay Chapter, and as Mother Advisor for her daughter's Order of the Rainbow Chapter.

Hylda loved life and people, and actively participated in church & social groups, where she held many leadership positions. She belonged to numerous bridge clubs, including Le Jeudi and M & M, as well as hosting a revolving neighborhood bridge group. She also enjoyed Ateneo, the Women's Federated Club, the Jackson Literary Club, & the Fezettes, a women's auxiliary of the Shriners.

In 1989, she received one of the highest of honors in the O.E.S. She received an appointment from the Most Worthy Grand Patron, Edward F. McDonald, as Worthy Grand Chaplain, one of only nine select international offices. For the four years of her appointment, she delighted in a whirlwind of activities and extensive world travel with her O.E.S. friends.

Hylda will be lovingly remembered as a gracious, gentle, & beautiful spirit who showed the love of Christ in all her endeavors. She has instilled in her children, as her parents instilled in her, a lifelong love of learning, a respect for God's works of nature, and an appreciation of the joys of a life lived fully. Her grace, poise, and dignity will serve as inspiration for all.

Hylda is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband, and is survived by her son, Eldon Ray Meeks, Jr. and daughter-in-law Barbara Ann Meeks, daughter Hylda Renée Meeks, grandchildren Robin Meeks Thomas & Evan David Meeks, & great-granddaughter Ella Catherine Thomas. Visitation will be Mon., Dec. 13 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Jackson from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. The family home will be open afterwards for any who wish to continue celebrating her life.