Jesse Reed Meighen, 104, of Waynesburg, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024, at the Chapel Pointe Senior Living Center in Carlisle, PA. She was a graduate of Waynesburg High School Class of 1938, attended and graduated from Slippery Rock College (University) with the Class of 1943 with a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Health and Physical Education, with a minor in Mathematics.
She began her never ending love of dance at the age of 4 with her first dancing lesson, and it is accurate to say that she was a dancer, teacher and educator in one form or another her entire life.
In 1946 she opened her first dance studio in Waynesburg, and over the years she added studio locations in Carmichaels, and in Cameron, WV. She was schooled in and taught, tap, ballet, ballroom, character and jazz. She took lessons at and/or danced in musical productions in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Hartford, CT, Winston-Salem, NC, Chicago, IL, Cleveland, OH, and in New York. She worked with and was a member of NADAA (National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists, Inc.) from 1956-1965, and the New York Conservatory of Dance from 1961 –1963. In 2023 in celebration of her 103rd birthday, NADAA honored her with the presentation of The Charley Award, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to dance education and the embodiment of the guiding principles of the organization.
In 1964 she joined the faculty of West Greene High School where she taught health, physical education and physiology. During her tenure at West Greene she was instrumental in providing opportunities in dance and school musical productions. She sponsored the dance and drill teams, and incorporated into the school’s physical education program ballroom dancing, modern dance, and square dancing, exposing students to cultural and fine arts.
Her commitment and dedication provided opportunities for women to compete in high school sports well before female sports were sanctioned by the WPIAL and PIAA. She served as the sponsor of the initial West Greene Girls Athletic Association and later as the Head Coach for Women’s Varsity Basketball. In October of 2022, at the age of 102, she was recognized and inducted into the West Greene Pioneers Athletic Hall of Fame. She was also a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.
On July 1, 1943, she married the late William E. Meighen with whom she shared 41 cherished years until his passing on August 1, 1984. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, William K. and Jane M. Ross Reed; siblings, Mary Jane Adamson, Samuel R. Reed, Sr., John William Reed, and Charles L. Reed; a granddaughter, Kimberly Jane Ketterer, nephews Charles B. Reed, Samuel R. Reed, Edward K. Reed, and Douglas Barnhart.
Surviving to honor and celebrate her life and legacy are her son, James W. Meighen (Melinda) of Bradfordwoods; her daughter, Leslie A. Weaver (George) of Boiling Springs; cherished friend and colleague, Linda J. Jones (Waynesburg); her grandchildren Jamie Meighen Sei (Alain), San Gabriel, CA; Deborah S. Myers (Stephen), New Cumberland, PA; John R. Ross (Heather), and Rebecca A. Ross, of Mechanicsburg, PA., Patrick J. Meighen of Pittsburgh, PA ; Christine E. Meighen, Seattle, WA.; great-grandchildren, Bradley W. Ketterer, Mary-Claire Meighen Sei, Yvette J. Sei, Noah Darvishi, Katherine Jesse Myers, Kayley J. Ross, Audrey L. Sei and Colin T. Ross. Nephews William M. Reed; Michael D. Reed; Thomas L. Reed; T. James O’Donnell, nieces Bonnie S. Fritz, Jane Reed Cooper, Beverly G. White, and Elizabeth Shellenberger, and other family, friends and former students whose lives she touched and impacted along her life journey.
In lieu of flowers suggested memorial contributions to Slippery Rock University Alumni Association, 105 Campus Drive, Slippery Rock, PA 16057; West Greene Athletic Department, c/o West Greene School District, 1352 Hargus Creek Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370 or a donation to a charitable organization of your choice.
Friends will be received on Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm in the Behm Funeral Home, 182 W. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, where a Blessing Service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 10:30 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Ann RC Church of St. Matthias Parish, 232 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, with Fr. J. Francis Frazer, Celebrant. Interment will follow in Greene County Memorial Park, Waynesburg. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfh.com.
