Jean Meeks

Jean Meeks, age 82, passed away on January 11, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. She was born April 11, 1940 in Martin, Kentucky to Clifford and Ruth Robinette. She married the love of her life, Stanley Meeks, and the two were blessed with eight children.

Jean’s greatest joy came from her family. Since she lost her husband at such an early age, she took immense pride in having so many loved ones that were here all because ‘two people fell in love’. She never missed a chance to tell her loved ones how much they were loved, and how proud she was of each and every one of them.

When Jean was younger, she enjoyed bowling and even received a pin for a 7-10 split. Bingo was another favorite pastime, which she shared with her kids and grandkids throughout the years, along with her best friend, Mary Yates. She was a microwave chef master, and it was said that she could use it to make a whole Thanksgiving dinner, including the best peanut butter candy as dessert. She loved jelly beans, repurposing containers, finding four-leaf clovers, good boxes that she could fill with more good boxes, Westerns, crossword puzzles, word games, AS SEEN ON TV gadgets, soft pajamas, her Mama Bear slippers, strawberry flavored water, car rides where she could reminisce about her life, and most importantly, she loved spending time with her family.

She raised eight kids all on her own during a time when it wasn’t typical for a woman to be so independent. She always said it takes a village to raise a child, and played a vital role in raising so many of her grandkids, and even a few great-grandchildren. She was a woman of few words, and always saw the best in her loved ones, especially her boys. She could scold you without changing her tone, while giving you the very best advice at the same time. She was a peace maker and would always say that tomorrow is never promised, so make sure you say I love you today.

Jean is survived by her sister, Bonnie Easterwood, and brother, Charles Robinette. She also leaves behind and will be missed by her children: Dianna (Tom) Nelson, Ellen (Kelvin) Riddle, Debbie Meeks, Robin Young, Tina Meeks, Stanley (Diane) Meeks and Teddy (Megan) Meeks; along with 24 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her parents and siblings: Irvin Robinette, Phyllis Rowe, Lois Robinette, Henry Robinette, Randall Robinette, Arvil Robinette; a daughter Tammy Garrett, grandsons Timothy Riddle and Dakota Young and great-grandson Alston Kirkland.

Visitation will take place on Monday, January 16th from 11 am to 1 pm with funeral services immediately following. Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery, where she can rest next to her husband, Stan. After burial, a dinner honoring Jean will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Homer. Services have been entrusted to J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion, MI.