Mary L. Meador

Mary Louise (James) Meador, wife of Eugene Meador (deceased) and daughter of Olen and Dorothy James (deceased) passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her three children. She entered the presence of the Lord, the One she loved so faithfully and passionately, on November 7, 2025, at the age of 94.

Mary Louise was born November 2, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri. Mary grew up as a hearing child with deaf parents. She did not learn sign language until she attended college at Central Bible Institute in Springfield, MO. It was then that sign language became a passion. She was involved in ministry working with the deaf and eventually was a catalyst in starting a church for the deaf in Akron, Ohio.

Mary felt it was a privilege and honor to work alongside her husband, Pastor Eugene Meador. Their ministry together began in Oklahoma and continued faithfully for many years, culminating in 31 years of service as lead pastors of Akron First Assembly of God in Akron, OH. Serving the Lord and ministering beside her husband brought her great joy and fulfillment.

Music was an important part of her life - from playing the piano and accordion to directing the church choir. Yet her greatest passion was to live for Jesus and be used by Him. She served the Lord faithfully and was deeply devoted as a wife, pastor’s wife and mother. With a servant’s heart, she gave of herself generously, caring for her family and all those God placed in her path. Her love for people shone brightly, and she touched the lives of many women and young girls through her work in Women’s Ministry and the Missionette program. She was fierce, loyal, faithful, giving, caring, loving, and feisty. Mary had a smile, a hug and an encouraging word to extend to others. She will be greatly missed!

With the same love and devotion, she lovingly poured herself into creating scrapbooks that beautifully preserved and captured the story of her life, her husband’s life, their years of ministry together, and the memories of their three children and her grandchildren. Each page reflected her devotion to God and the family she so deeply cherished. Through them, her legacy of love and devotion continues to shine.

She is survived by her son, Alan Meador of Akron, Ohio, daughter, Eugenia (Jeff) Schexneider of Elizabethtown, KY and daughter Janine (Jim) Ballard of Irving, TX; four grandchildren: Trevor, Amanda, Kyle and Kaitlyn; and five great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all who have visited, called, and sent cards during this time. Your prayers, kindness, and love have blessed us and brought great comfort. They are also deeply grateful for the compassionate care and support given by Serenity Hospice Services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the missions programs of The Lighthouse Church. If giving, please mark the gift "Meador Memorial" so that it may be properly designated.

Friends may call Wednesday, November 12th from 5-7pm at the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 W. Market St. in Akron, and Thursday from 10-11am at Akron First Assembly of God, 1175 W. Market St. in Akron where the funeral service will begin at 11am. Interment in Rose Hill Burial Park.