Mable Elizabeth Meares

Mable Elizabeth "Betty" Meares was a native of Jacksonville, Florida. She was born on March 23, 1946 to John W. and Elizabeth O. Harvin. Betty passed away on Christmas Day after a brief, but courageous fight with ALS and was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Betty retired from Bellsouth after 25 years of service and went on to obtain her Elementary Education degree from UNF. She was a kindergarten teacher in Duval County for 7 years. Betty then went on to help teach VPK at St. Matthews Lutheran Church and most recently Bartram Academy. She was preceded in death by her parents John W and Elizabeth O Harvin and 3 of her brothers, John, Bud and Joe. She is survived by her baby brother Jim Harvin and her 2 children, William R Meares Jr and Kristina Meares Rijo. Betty had 10 grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews . A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, in Fort Caroline Presbyterian Church, 3754 University Club Blvd 32277. The family will receive friends and visitors from 11-12 with services to begin at noon. A reception will follow the service and all are invited. The Rev Dr. David E. Imhoff will preside over services. Memorials are requested by the family and may be made in honor of Betty Meares to the Northeast Florida ALS Society, 3242 Parkside Center Cir, Tampa, FL 33619. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.