April 4, 1929 ~ February 21, 2025 (age 95)
Adeline Thornal Meredith, went to God’s Kingdom on February 21, 2025 at the age of 95. Adeline was born April 4, 1929 in Lampasas, Texas to Roye Richard and Eva Bilton Thornal. Adeline attended Unity Primary and Lampasas High schools where she met her future husband, Gilbert Meredith. They first teamed-up during their high school senior year when Gilbert was football captain and she was school favorite and football sweetheart. They briefly parted when Gilbert attended Sam Houston University and she attended John Tarleton Jr. College. She transferred to Southwest Texas State Teachers College San Marcos, graduating in 1950. They married in 1949 at the historic School Creek Baptist Church in Lampasas County, where she and Gilbert were also baptized.
The couple lived in Sanderson, Mertzon, Breckenridge, and Eastland County, where Gilbert was employed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Adeline taught and served as principal in Texas public schools for 30 years, retiring in 1978 from Ranger. During her tenure as teacher, she taught all grades, 1-12, spending the last 20 years in first grade, which she felt was the most rewarding and challenging age. She maintained contact with numerous students and considered them among her lifelong friends. Throughout life, Adeline enjoyed entertaining and Gilbert was expert at BBQ and fish frying. The team again complimented each other when they entertained friends in their home and at their beloved Dead Broke Ranch in Eastland County. They treasured many close friendships established through First Baptist Church. They extensively traveled in Europe and Scandinavia making friends all over the world. In 1993, the Merediths moved to Stephenville.
Adeline was confined to her home in later years and cherished regular visits from Paradigm/Tarleton students. She felt blessed and honored that they included her in their busy schedules. Students held a special place in her heart, and their friendships gave her much joy. She was proud to have a sweet namesake, Adeline Grace Watter (daughter of Kyle & Hailey Thompson Watter), who delighted her throughout her final days. The family is thankful to her faithful friends, to the Stephenville Masonic Lodge for remembering Adeline as Gilbert’s widow, and the Order of Eastern Star for their support through-out the years.
At each stage of life, the consistent theme in Gilbert and Adeline’s 64 year marriage was to honor God and enjoy their friendships. Church life and Christian friendships played a large role in their happy marriage. Adeline was the consummate southern lady who enjoyed homemaking, proper etiquette, and antiquing at every opportunity. She unconditionally loved her family. She was president of Music Club and Garden Club in Eastland County. She was faithful to the Order of Eastern Star, becoming District Deputy Grand Matron in 1986. Gilbert was a 32nd Degree Mason. She was a woman of deep Christian belief and substance and will be missed. She lives on in Heaven and in the hearts of generations of students and friends.
Visitation will be held from 10am-11am on Saturday March 1st, at Lacy Funeral Home, 1380 Harbin Dr., Stephenville, TX. Graveside service, immediately following, will be held at West End Cemetery. Dr. Ken May, Dick Carroll, and Curt Voss will officiate. Eastern Star Funeral Rites will conclude the service.
Family members include: Alexa Meredith, her only child and Adeline’s caregiver; special honorary son & daughter Curt & Pam Voss & their children Grant, Rachel, & Sarah Voss; granddaughters—Eva Richardson Naughton of Dover, NH (Ryan); Jessica Richardson Prescott of Bryant, AL (Arthur); great grandchildren—-Ariel, Aurora, & Sylas; cousin—Gladys Thornal Owen (Bill), Sandra Owen West (Mike), Bryan West, Pat Owen Schaub (Randy), Will Schaub (Rebekah), Matt Schaub; brother—Bill Thornal (Pat); nieces and nephews—Dr. Warren Heffington (Donna); Howard Meredith; Audie Meredith (Karen); Douglas Meredith (Kara); Shelli Meredith Phillips (JJ); Bruce Thornal (Susan); Cathy Thornal; Douglas Rider; Brian Thornal; Andy Nolan; Patti Furr (Steve); Ricky Thornal; Renée Thornal Wade; Ronnie Thornal; Danielle Meredith (LaVaugh), Lonnie Meredith (Cindy), & Leonard Meredith (Angela), Wayne Boultinghouse (Sherry), and many other grand nieces and nephews.
Adeline was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Meredith; her parents—-Roye and Eva Thornal; siblings—-Roye Gayle (Jean) Thornal; Frances Nolan (Jack); in-laws—-James and Lucille Jackson Meredith; brothers-in-laws——Lofton Meredith (Velma Stewart), Howard Meredith (Manna Ruth Fry); sister-in-law—-Elsie Meredith Heffington (Malcolm); niece—-Anne Thornal and Juanita Meredith Craft.
Memorial donations may be made to:
First Baptist Church
334 W. Green St
PO BOX 124
Stephenville, Tx 76401
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