Lynell S. Stapleton

Those who knew Lynell would easily describe her as generous, loving, selfless, and inspirational. Her passing is of tremendous loss to her family, friends, and community. She will be deeply and forever missed.

She was born on 22 May 1935 in Wauchula, Florida to John B. and Estelle H. Searcy. She spent her childhood there and graduated from Hardee High School in 1953. She was also a graduate of the American Business College in Winter Haven, Florida.

Lynell was married to 2LT Malcolm V. Meekison in 1956 in Raton, New Mexico and they left immediately for Germany. She was the epitome of “The Army Wife,” and was dedicated to her role of homemaker and mother of four children. She was proud to serve as a leader in the Brownies, Girl Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls Troop, as well as a Cub Scout Den Mother.

Lynell spent many, many years volunteering in hospitals, in numerous capacities: Gift shops, bloodmobile, and dental clinics. She held every office in the Officer’s Wives Club, belonged to the Men and Women of the Chapel, and sang in the chapel choirs. Her volunteerism lasted her entire life. In her later years, her time was centered on the church and community. She was corresponding secretary at St. William’s Council of Catholic Women, and headed the community service committee. She was a member of the Outreach Ministries working on the bereavement and transportation committees. In 1997, she took over as volunteer coordinator for the Adopt-A-Highway Program in Glynn County. She was on the board for the International Seafarers’ for many years, and was instrumental in their fundraising events. She was a founding member of the Sea Island Club, the Symphony Society, lifetime member of the Historical Society, member of the Civil War Roundtable, St. Simons Island Club, and the Military Officer’s Association.

Lynell was preceded by her soul mate, and the love of her life, Colonel George J. Stapleton whom she married in 1980. Together they made the perfect pair and showed us all what true love is. She is survived by two sisters: Frances Sayre and Eleanor Hartley; two daughters: Teri (Tom) Parr and Sande (Jim) Johnson; two sons: Malcolm (Stephanie) Meekison and Mark (Patti) Meekison; three stepsons: George (Josephine) Stapleton, Greg (Becky) Stapleton, and Doug Stapleton; eleven grandchildren: Jessica Kreps, Holly Lynell Isbell; Josh Rochelle; Samantha and Nicholas Stapleton, George Tyler Meekison; Morgan Lynell, Tess, Tommy Parr; Tori Lynell and Zoe Meekison; and three great-grandchildren: Alex Marie and Jeremiah Armstrong, and Jonah Isbell.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 p..m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Ronald W. Hatchett officiating, 3321 Glynn Ave., Brunswick, GA. (912) 265-3636. The family will have a reception at the funeral home immediately following the memorial service. www.edomillerandsons.com