St. Clair County Obits

Oral Meredith


Oral Meredith was born December 23, 1901 in St. Clair County near Collins. She was the oldest of six children born to Thomas M. and Effie Tucker Boswell. When Oral was only 12 years old her mother died leaving to Oral the responsibility of being mother to and caring for five younger brothers and sisters, Lloyd, Ray, Opal, Gertrude and John Lee who was only two years old when this tragedy came into their lives. Oral accepted it with courage and confidence. For a while she was helped by Aunt Nellie Tucker who stayed with the family while Oral finished school at Oak Ridge also called Tillery School. She then assumed the responsibility of an adult while she was still a child herself.

At an early age, Oral bcame a dedicated Christian and member of Coon Creek Baptist Church. She remained a faithful member throughout the years.

On June 22, 1927, Oral was married to Fred Meredith. They had three children, Harold Thomas, Opal Marilyn, often called Junie, and Freddy Paul. In addition to their own three children they raised Elvin Meredith from infancy when his mother became ill and could not take care of him. Elvin always referred to Oral as “Mom”.

Oral and Fred were devoted parents who shared their faith in God and studied their Bible regularly. Oral developed a good memory of the Scriptures. She can almost be heard quoting, “Oh, death where is thy sting? Oh, grave, where is they victory?” with the answer, “The victory is life eternal”.

After Fred’s death in 1979 Oral and Freddy Paul struggled together.

While she was still young, tragedy struck her life a second time when she lost her sight and was plunged into a world of total darkness. Undaunted, she again accepted her fate with courage while demonstrating remarkable patience. She never lost her faith which sustained her.

By 1988 she was too frail to continue living and working on the farm and she went to Northwood Hills in Humansville where she lived till death claimed her on Tuesday, February 27.

Her indomitable faith, courage and perseverance under trying circumstances have been an inspiration to all who knew her.

Oral is survived by two sons; Harold Thomas Meredith of Marshall, Mo. and Freddy Paul Meredith of Collins, Mo., one daughter, Mrs. Marilyn Ruggles of Columbia, Mo., a nephew she considered a son, Elvin Meredith of Gerster, Mo., one brother, John Boswell of Weaubleau, Mo., two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Winders of Warrensburg, Mo., and Mrs. Opal Bowman of Weaubleau, Mo., three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Services were held on Thursday, February 29 at 2 p.m. at the Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel by the Rev. Marshall Henderson. Music was played by Donna Carney and Gail Ingle. Casketbearers were John Mike Winders, Craig Bryant, Roy Gene Miller, Herman Capps, Bill Ruggles and Elvin Meredith. Interment was held at the Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery.

Submitted by: Stacy Kelly