Thelma Mae Smith Meadows passed peacefully on August 13, 2022 at her residence, the Harbor in Stanardsville at the age of 99. Thelma was born July 17, 1923, to the late Norris and Mamie Jenkins Smith. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Edgar, to whom she was married for almost 79 years; a son, Ronnie Alvin Meadows, three sisters, Nettie Smith, Luna Woodward, Marie Smith; and three brothers, Judd, Huey and Earl Smith.
She was a loving mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a devoted wife. She was a member of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Haywood and took great pride in taking her children and grandchildren to Mt. Carmel’s sister church, the Shiloh Baptist Church in Criglersville. She worked at Blue Bell, Inc. in Madison for many years before retiring to restaurant and cafeteria work. She worked for the Hamptons who owned the Madison Restaurant in the middle of town, which now houses the Chamber of Commerce. From there she worked in the cafeteria at Waverly Yowell School while at the same time managed and cooked on Saturdays at the Madison Livestock Market Restaurant for twenty-seven years. When not at one of these jobs, she was always busy helping Alvin on the farm; selling apples and peaches from their orchards and cooking those delicious home-cooked meals for her family or for whoever happened to stop by.
Surviving her is a daughter, Ellen Meadows Early and her husband Thomas Stephen. She is also survived by her son/grandson, Ronnie Travis Meadows and his wife Hope, and two granddaughters, Teresa Fair and husband Frank, Lisa Whited and Dion Grogg. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, Ronnie Travis Meadows, Jr., Bradley Meadows, Trever Meadows, Tiffany Johnson and Lindsey Bowers; seven great-great-grandchildren, Destiny, Brooklyn, Harper, Conner, and Weston Meadows; Leighanna and Landon Bowers; one great-great-great grandchild.
Thelma had so many dedicated caregivers in addition to her family that enriched the last few years of her life. After her husband Alvin passed, the family tried to keep her at home as long as possible and Travis’ wife Hope cared for her almost two years. The memory care and love she received from Cindy, Jeanette, Teresa, Martha, Kim, Janice, Shawn, and Tina and the entire staff at the Harbor was amazing and will always be cherished. For the past several months, Heartland Hospice also welcomed her into their Circle of Care providing extra assistance from physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists. The level of commitment from the Harbor staff and from Heartland Hospice has more than exceeded the family’s expectations for her care and their dedication will always be greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Courtney, Sherry, Heather, Annalise and Mary from Heartland who provided many bright spots to her days as well as wound care and massages for her legs, music, gifts and homemade soup.
A funeral service will be held at Mt. Carmel Church in Haywood, VA, at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2022 with Rev. Keith Wagner officiating. Family visitation will precede the service at the church at 1 p.m. Interment will be private at the Criglersville Shiloh Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the treasurer of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 18301 Sandy Springs Road, Stevensburg, VA 22741.
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