Barbara Marquis Meeker

BARBARA MARQUIS MEEKER We celebrate the life of Barbara Marquis Meeker, 85, long time resident of Port Arthur, TX, who died Monday, September 20, at St. David’s Hospital in Austin, TX. Born to Margaret Raymond and DuBois Marquis, she grew up on a farm in Colfax, IL. She graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and English, with a minor in French. In 1942 she married Robert Edward (Bob) Meeker. With him she raised five children and shared a wonderful, loving life until his death in 1998. A gifted musician, Barbara was a concert violinist and performed with symphony orchestras in Bloomington, IL, Charleston, WV, Beaumont (where she was concert mistress), Lake Charles, LA and Alexandria, LA. She actively encouraged and participated in bringing music to the Beaumont-Port Arthur area through the Port Arthur Symphony Club and Community Concerts. A longtime faithful member of the United Methodist Temple in Port Arthur, TX, Barbara served as the Music Director for many years, was a member of the United Methodist Women, and served her beloved church in many other capacities. Through P.E.O. Chapter AT she was active in many service projects. Her daughter Peggy Meeker Boltz preceded her in death. Barbara is survived by children Robert Edward (Ted) Meeker, Jr. and wife Anita of Portola Valley, CA; David Meeker-Williams and wife Marilyn of Houston; Pete Meeker and wife Jerrilee of Austin; Ruth Meeker Johnson of Memphis, TN; and son-in-law Nick Boltz of Austin. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren--Katy Boltz Flowers of Waco; David Boltz of Houston; Amy Boltz Klein of Richardson; Garrett, Rebecca, and John Meeker of Austin; Alec and Barbara Ann Johnson of Memphis, TN; Lindsay Meeker-Williams of Houston; Nate Sherman of Boston, MA; and Samantha Sherman Kozlowski of Rochester, MN; and by 6 great grandchildren. On Saturday, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. we will celebrate her life in a Memorial service, followed by a reception, at the United Methodist Temple in Port Arthur. In lieu of flowers the family requests that gifts be directed to the United Methodist Temple Memorial Fund. Through her many gifts and graces, Barbara touched and inspired many lives. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 – (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at wcfish.com