KATHLEEN MEEKER

Kathleen valued faith, family, and service to others above all else. She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church Martins Ferry, where she taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon, Session member, and Elder. Kathleen spent many rewarding years working for Black Diamond Girl Scout Council as a Field Director, prior to serving as the Executive Director of Wheeling Area Habitat for Humanity.

Kathleen had a love for genealogy and took pride in being the family historian. Later in life, she earned a degree in Historic Preservation from Belmont College. During that time, she began a passion project, documenting the history of the Y&O Coal Company in Florence, where she grew up and watched her father and grandfather go to work in the mine. Kathleen developed a Facebook page (Florence Mine Camp Y&O Coal Company) to share her research, photos, and stories. Later, with the help of her best friend, Jeanette Wojcik, she published a book about the coal camp and delighted in gifting it to friends and family.

She enjoyed taking photographs, going to the beach, collecting jadeite Fire King, and singing campfire songs. Her greatest joy, though, came from spending time with her grandchildren. She loved coming up with creative projects they could do together, and she served as an outstanding role model. As they grew, she proudly shared their accomplishments with others.

Kathleen was married to her high school sweetheart, James Meeker, Sr., and they celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on February 19th. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Clyde “Chip” Porter, brother Joel Porter, niece Dawn Love Porter, and nephew Brian David Porter. Surviving are her children, James Meeker, Jr. (Stacie) and MaryEllen Gust, both of Colerain, and her grandchildren, Kiersten Meeker (fiance Zac Schnegg), Logan Meeker, Hannah Meeker, and Hunter Edwards (James). Kathleen was anxiously awaiting the birth her first great grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters, Sharon Lynn Porter and Molly Sue Rouse (Michael); brother Jim Porter; sisters-in-law, Sharon Lee Porter, Peggy Porter, and Julia Wengerd (Joe); cousins she deeply cherished; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends may call Sunday, February 25, from 12-4 at Wilson Funeral Home, Heslop Chapel, 415 Walnut Street, Martins Ferry, Ohio. Services will be held at Heslop Chapel Monday, February 26 at noon with interment immediately following at Holly Memorial Gardens, Dillonvale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Martins Ferry or Wheeling Area Habitat for Humanity.

To leave the family a condolence please visit www.wilsonfuneral homes.com.