Mary Alice Meadows

Mary Alice Meadows (82), of Charleston Illinois (formerly of South Shore Kentucky) went home to her beloved on November 17, 2022 on a sunny afternoon, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on January 14, 1940, one of eight children, to her parents, Ernest and Larna M. Robirds. In 1958 she married the love of her life, Herman Ambrose “Brud” Meadows.

They raised two sons, Randy and Mike and lived a joyous, simple life in hills of Kentucky in a house built by Brud. Mary owned and operated the Meadows Mini Mart off Shultz Creek in South Shore, where people would come for groceries and lively conversation. One of her great joys was letting her grandkids pick out candy from the shelves at the Mart. She and Brud raised cattle and tended their farm for many years. She attended the Liberty United Methodist Church.

                She liked to spend her free time sitting on the porch, serving big homecooked meals for her friends and family and taking care of the neighborhood animals. She also loved listening to Country & Western, Bluegrass, and Gospel music. Filled with such a kind soul and incredible sense of humor, she rarely saw a greater joy than laughing and making those around her laugh.

                In 2013 she joined her son and daughter-in-law in Illinois. No longer shielded by the hills in Kentucky, and with the Illinois wind constantly blowing, you would always find her under a blanket or in a big cozy sweater saying “Freezin’ Freezin” with a wink in her eye and a smile across her face. No matter what life presented her with, she embraced it with steadfast resilience and always chose to see the light and humor in every situation.

                Mary spent her golden years attending the Charleston Community Church. One of her favorite things was going to local parades to watch the floats and get candy. She, of course, was only collecting it to give away to her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. A generous spirit, she loved to give presents and treats. “Uh oh” she would say with a mischievous grin, when she got caught sneaking food to the dogs.

                Though her name was Mary, many referred to her as Mamaw, even those who were not her grandkids. This is because of the all-encompassing love and warmth her presence offered. Mary was beloved by her family, friends, and anyone who spent 30 seconds talking to her. Even into her final days, she still loved to sing, continuing to provide joy and hope to those around her. If music was playing, Mary was singing.

                She was preceded in death by: her beloved husband Herman Ambrose Meadows. Her parents; Earnest and Larna M. Robirds. Her sisters; Bonnie Chaffin, Irene Gifford, Freda Pistole, and Glenna Wilburn.

              She is survived by her two brothers and sister; David Robirds (Judy), Bill Robirds, and Faye Pistole (Kevin). Her two sons; Randy Meadows(Debbie) and Mike Meadows (Teresa). Her five grandchildren; Sarah Meadows, Stephanie Dick(Jake), Ben Palmer(Seana), Jamie Rednour(Tim) Herm Meadows(Jessica). Her seven great grandchildren; Samuel, Avelynn, and Alice Dick. Caitlin, Oliver, and Aubrey Rednour, and Matilda (Tilly)Palmer, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

            Funeral services will be 1 P.M.  Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Morton-Hunt Family Funeral Home in South Shore, KY., with Herb Pistole officiating. Burial will follow at Harr Cemetery in South Shore, KY. Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, November 22, 2022 from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. and from 12 P.M. until the service hour on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be left at www.mortonhuntfh.com

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