Reggie Kellum Meadows

Oak Ridge - Mrs. Reggie Marie Kellum Meadows, 92, departed this world on Thursday, October 13, 2016, leaving behind a host of family and friends who were blessed by her life and cherish her memory.

Reggie was born in Baxter County, Arkansas, on December 3, 1923 to the late Albert Durist Kellum and Dorothy Ann Davis Kellum. She grew up on a hardscrabble farm in the shadow of the Ozarks during the Great Depression. Her life experiences made her tough, frugal, and independent, qualities that served her well after she lost the love of her life, Ralph F. Meadows, Sr. in 1971.

Never one to be idle, Reggie worked until she was well into her 70s. Her career began during WWII when she worked as one of the original ""Rosie the Riveters"" on an airplane assembly line in Kansas City, MO. She met Ralph who was in the Army Air Corps when he furloughed in Kansas City. They corresponded through letters for two years until he sent her a train ticket to SC where he was stationed, and they were married in 1944.

When her children were young, she worked at both Adams Millis and Burlington hosiery mills in Kernersville. Later her talents as a great cook landed her in the food service industry. The morning employees at Proctor & Gamble in Greensboro lined up for her made-from-scratch biscuits.

Reggie was a life-long gardener. Her family enjoyed the fruits of her labors all year round. She loved to can and freeze vegetables and shared them with friends and neighbors. The flowers in her yard bear testament to her green thumb. The Oak Ridge community was the beneficiary of her blooming roses, lilies, iris, hydrangea, phlox, azaleas, peonies, crepe myrtle, and magnolia. At Reggie's house, something was always in bloom.

At night, Reggie would be found either sewing or crocheting and has left behind a wealth of precious heirloom quilts, afghans, pillows, and wall hangings. Her handiwork is evidence of her love of color and design. She was an artist with her needle and hook.

During her life, Reggie was involved in her community, serving as president of the Oak Ridge Fire Auxiliary, grade mother at Oak Ridge Elementary; she was a charter member of Central Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, taught children in Sunday school, and served as president of the Women's Missionary Union.

She remained in her own home, staunchly independent, until she began to fail physically. She renewed her driver's license in 2011, and said it was ""a piece of cake."" Never one to complain, she remained in good humor until her death. Her inner strength was garnered through the love of her family and her unquestioning faith in God and His care.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Reggie was predeceased by 11 brothers and sisters. Surviving are daughter Myra M. Blackburn (Gary) of Oak Ridge, NC, son Ralph F. Meadows, Jr. (Tanya) of Lubbock, TX, and step-daughter Kay Sharpe Morrow (Mic) of Cherokee; grandsons Aaron Blackburn of Oak Ridge, Brendan Blackburn of Alexandria, VA, Jeremy Meadows (Stephanie) and Joshua Meadows (April) both of Lubbock; eleven great-grandchildren, and a host of special nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved unconditionally.

The family is deeply appreciative of the special care and treatment provided by Dr. Robert Fried at Eagle Family Medicine - Oak Ridge, the staff at Kerner Ridge Assisted Living in Kernersville, the entire team at Countryside Manor Rehab and Skilled Nursing, and a special thank you to Barbara Kirkman and Angela Moore who were caregivers in the final days of Reggie's life.

A life well-lived is a legacy to the gift of love. Reggie gave of herself every day through her kindness and compassion. We love, honor and respect her and will miss her and keep her in our hearts always.

Visitation is scheduled at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home-Kernersville, on Monday evening October 17 from 6-8 PM. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 18 at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Craig Kocher, Rev. Abby Kocher, and Rev. David Miller officiating. Following the service, Reggie will be interred next to her husband at Union Grove Baptist Church cemetery, Oak Ridge.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Oak Ridge Fire & Rescue Company, 8325 Linville RD, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com.

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