Eileen B. Meachum

Eileen Bono Meachum was born on January 20, 1940 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to her loving parents, Sammie and Dorothy Bono. Her father taught her about their Italian heritage while her mother taught her to have a giving spirit toward others as she grew up alongside her brother, Kenneth Bono. She would later recount proud memories she had of her father whom she had a deep respect for.

After graduating from Lake Charles High School in 1957, Eileen was accepted to McNeese State University where she graduated with a degree in Secretary Science in 1959. While in college, Eileen met the young man whom she would spend her life with. A friend told the beautiful young Eileen that a guy named Hank wanted to go out with her. “Who is Hank,” Eileen asked. “He’s the pitcher of the baseball team,” the friend replied. As the story goes, Eileen would say, “okay I’ll go out with him since he’s the pitcher, but an engineer would have been better.” Even though their first three dates were cancelled because of games, Hank persisted. After they finally went out, the rest became their life history together.

The young couple moved to Singer, Louisiana for Hank to launch his coaching career. Little time was wasted in starting their soon to be large family that continues growing today. Eileen would become a young mother to her three dear children, Kelle Kris, Todd, and Kempa whom she and Hank loved tremendously and continued to stay involved in their lives. Eileen’s sharp tongue and quick wit were instilled into her children’s personalities as they grew up. Eileen taught her firstborn daughter, Kelle Kris the power behind being a bold woman, the ability to tell a great joke she taught to her son Todd, and how to be both those things and more she taught to her youngest daughter, Kempa.

The family moved to Haughton, Louisiana in 1968 where they became life-long residents of the community that they would help impact over the course of their lives. Hank’s career in public service as coach, educator, and later Bossier Parish Policy Juror would put him in the local spotlight. Eileen proudly supported her husband’s efforts because she too found purpose in being able to help others and make a difference in her community. They continued living in their cute Haughton home throughout their lives. The home that would become the place of so many memories and stories for so many lives around them. Conversations and laughter over food and drink would be the constant staple of the Meachum household for all the decades to come. There, Eileen raised her children to be tough through hard circumstances and at least find something funny to say about it by the end.

Never one to really rest, Eileen had her own career while raising three children. She worked for Firestone in Sulphur, Louisiana for ten years. She would later work for Olin Kraft, and P&O Falco. Eileen was also an avid skier and tennis player. Her and Hank also bonded over horse-racing spending many an afternoon at Louisiana Downs where they often took photos with their family inside the winner’s circle.

Eileen gained a job at Dillard’s at a time when department stores were considered very chic. Her career in retail fashion would shape her lifelong interests in clothing and style. Overseeing the women’s department, Eileen would fit young ladies for dances, homecomings, weddings, and more. These women share common stories of what it was like to be fitted by Eileen, who was known for her willingness to share her insightful critiques. Her love of clothing and showing off a good outfit would stay with Eileen into her golden years. She always made sure to present her best self, jewelry and all, whether that was at work, church, or even at home on the weekend.

However, Eileen really loved to shop for others. She learned from her mother the joy of gift-giving. So Eileen would spend all year buying presents for her family. Hiding the gifts secretly throughout her house. Then by Christmas, she passed out gifts by the plenty. Christmas time was a big deal in the Meachum household. It was a tradition she learned during her childhood that she gave to her children. Their home would feature servings of Italian sausage on Christmas Eve followed by a bounty of gifts on Christmas Day after service. To her, this was the time of year to exceed expectations, spurge on her family as her way to show them love while enjoying their time spent together.

Eileen was a great mother. She was also a great friend to so many. Eileen maintained a strong social circle throughout her life. Eileen enjoyed girltime with her gal-pals well into her senior years. She had many friends from different generations who all adored her.

Eileen loved to make people laugh. A smart little Southern woman with a sassy attitude and a sincere heart, Eileen was not afraid to tell a scandalous joke. She got a kick out of being able to shock people with what she called her “warped sense of humor.” She is the root of the family’s reputation for its great sense of humor.

Eileen lived a long full life full of joy, sadness, success and heartbreak. Through all the years, she always maintained her ability to laugh through pain and found happiness in providing for the ones she loved. Eileen’s unique personality lives on in the fun memories she gave to those who spent time with her. She was an icon whose personality outlives her passing. We imagine that if Eileen had anything to say about her passing, it would probably be something funny. Another joyful memory she would leave behind because she loved so many people, so much.