Mary Louise McQueen Meshaw

On Thursday, January 26, visitation with family will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Athens Drive Baptist Church, 1601 Athens Drive, Raleigh, one hour prior to the funeral service at 12:00 Noon, with Rev. Tim Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh.

Louise was born September 8, 1917, in Dillon County, SC, to the late William Archibald McQueen and Sarah Ellen Johnson McQueen. After spending her early years there, she moved with her family to Council, NC where she spent her adolescent life and subsequently married John Cardon Meshaw. They moved to Lumberton in 1948 and on to Wilmington in 1960. In 1979 she moved to Raleigh where she worked and later retired as a switchboard operator for Rex Hospital. She was a member of Athens Drive Baptist Church.

She was an avid gardener, excelled at crossword games, and was known as an outstanding cook. She had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and an outstanding memory for factual details. She possessed a strong love for her family and devoted her life to loving and caring for them. Louise displayed a remarkable ability to face every adverse situation with dignity and grace. Her faith, cheerfulness, and delightful sense of humor carried her through difficult times. Kindness, generosity of spirit, and gentleness were trademarks of friendship with all who knew her. She was a devoted wife and mother, beloved by her children, and a kind and caring friend.

She is survived by her devoted children: a son, John Cardon Meshaw, Jr., of Wilmington, and a daughter Gail M. Clayton and her husband, Calvin of Raleigh; four grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. Her brother William Horace McQueen was last reported living in Aiken, SC in the 1990’s. Louise was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sisters Sarah Archie McQueen Pendergraft and Ada Doris McQueen Shine.

The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Steven Liebowitz, the staff of Rex Convalescent Care Center, and Heartland Hospice for their special care, love, and support.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to Athens Drive Baptist Church, 1601 Athens Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.