Vera E. Meekins, age 99.9 would have reached the age of 100 on December 10, 2023. On December 4, 2023, her lifelong wish to die in her sleep was granted as she napped peacefully in the home of her daughter, Kathy Case in Chesapeake, Virginia. She was born in 1923 on Hatteras Island, North Carolina in the village of Kinnakeet, currently named Avon. After graduating from Kinnakeet School house, she moved to Norfolk and worked in Berkley until leaving for Tampa, Florida in 1943 to marry “Handsome Manson” Meekins, who was stationed there in the U.S. Coast Guard. Despite her mother’s musing that her adventurous daughter just wanted a trip to Florida, Vera and Manson’s marriage endured lovingly for 75 years, until his death in 2018 at 102. She was a stellar wife, mother, homemaker, seamstress, cook, and public servant, who’s mantra was “It’s All About Love”. She was a lifelong, devoted member of the United Methodist Church, serving in Women’s Society, Sunday School, Women’s Circles, and choir until she was in her 90’s. In the 1970’s and 1980’s she was employed by the Virginia Beach Treasurer’s Office during tax season and later by The Center for Effective Learning as a teacher’s aide after many years of volunteer service with disabled children, whom she lavished with affection. She was a dear friend to so many and hospitable to all who entered her home. Even in her final years, as she lived with dementia, she remained cheerful and loving.
She was welcomed into heaven by her husband, Manson Meekins; her son, Leslie Meekins; her son-in-law, John Case; her great-granddaughter, Ruach Avonlea Fletcher; and a throng of family, including her parents, Charles and Iantha Williams of Avon; four sisters, Velma Barnette, Retta Quidley, Beatrice Hooper, and Gloria O’Neal; and two brothers, Charles and Gerald Williams.
She is survived by her two daughters, Kathy Case (John, deceased December 2022) and Kristy DiGeronimo (Joseph) of Virginia Beach. Grandchildren and their children are Christian Case (Laura) of Chesapeake, Virginia whose children are Jake and Kristin Case; Alex Celentano (Paul) of Moyock, North Carolina and her children, Vera and Frankie; Megahn Kramer (Jeremy) and their son Jude of Los Angeles, California; Miles Meekins, child of son Leslie, of Carmichael, California; Kate (Philip) Goold of Virginia Beach; and Mary (Freddie) Fletcher and son Ellis of Virginia Beach. Dozens of nieces and nephews also survive her.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Saint John United Methodist Church, 40336 McMullen Road, Avon, North Carolina 27915.
We want to acknowledge her faithful caregivers over the last years, who cared for her with diligent faithfulness and tender kindness – Garrett Bonney, Mamie Jefferson, Phyllis Jefferson, Shenequa Gilchrist, Diane Boyd, Shanea Gilchrist, Latisha Jones, and many others at Baylake Assisted Living. God bless you!!
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 is assisting the Meekins family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
