Nettie Mae Meyer

Nettie Mae (Mathis) Meyer entered eternal life on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Mae was born in the hills of Stewart/Houston County, TN on the homestead settled by her family generations ago. Mae was a master homemaker, blue-ribbon fudge maker, curious traveler, dog-groomer, educational supporter, political volunteer and prankster, queen of the phone, and avid fisherwoman.

She met the love of her life and married Robert Louis Meyer on November 23, 1960. Bob has been waiting for her arrival into heaven. Mae was one of nine children born to Walter Riley and Mary Edna [Watkins] Mathis on Dec. 23, 1936 near McKinnon in Stewart County, TN. Her parents and two siblings, Charles Mathis and Linda Osborn Miller will be welcoming her to her new destination when she arrives. Left behind to keep her alive in memory and spirit are Martha [Frank] Howard, Tootsie [Marvin] Turner, Pete [Eveaughan], Mathis, Larry [Brenda] Mathis, Ida Shafer and Ruby Avallone. Mae especially appreciated the special bonds she shared with her many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. They gave her countless hours of joy and friendship.

Her family is her legacy.

Mae and Bob created a loving and nurturing home for their daughters, Roxanne [Terry] Bynum and Beth Anne [Roger] Strong.

Mae excelled in giving love unconditionally. She especially loved her grandchildren: Dean [Katie] Hillen, Forrest Bynum [Lauri Forness], Kadie [Bill] May, Christina Meyer, Blair [Patricia] Strong, Kelley [Matt] Geralds, Sara [ Ben Arnett] Bynum. She instilled her joy of the great outdoors and taught them respect for the environment and their heritage. Tennessee long behind her, but still core to her way of life; she made sure that that their family history was not lost by planning countless excursions ‘down home’ for hours of Hurricane Creek wading and checking on the Family Cemetery.

In her life-span she has been blessed with several great-grandchildren which only increased her outpouring of love and devotion. She reveled in the company of Bryce Friedrich, Grace Geralds, Jacob Knapp, Faith Geralds, Dirk Bynum, Owen Geralds, Graham Hillen, and Aubrey May and them in hers.

Her friend of many years and her partner in miscellaneous mischief, Mrs. Betty Burrelsman, is lovingly appreciated by Mae’s children who will always cherish the stories of two comical “hussies”. Mae enjoyed many friendships through the years with co-workers from Sam’s Club and Eckert’s. Don’t think she didn’t share stories about you, too!

Since Mae can no longer be reached by telephone, please feel free to stop by Lakeview Memorial Gardens located at 5000 North Illinois Street in Fairview Heights between 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. She will finally take her spot, next to Bob, on Friday, Feb. 26th at 10 a.m. She hopes you’ll stop by to chat for a while.