Lois Marie Meeks

Lois Marie Meeks, 79, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, March 11, 2012 at her home with her loving family at her side. She was born February 14, 1933 in Gore, Oklahoma to Eulis Odis Steely and Bessie Stockstill Steely. Having been born on Valentine’s Day; she was a sweetheart to everybody she knew. Lois grew up in Braggs, Oklahoma. Much of her childhood was spent tending to her younger brother, Jim, while their mother worked at Camp Gruber in Braggs, OK. Lois was only 12 years old when she and Jim caught a bus in Braggs headed to Muskogee to visit their grandmother. The bus broke down on Braggs Mountain. A different bus was sent to pick up the passengers. Somehow, Lois and Jim were left on the side of the road. They headed out walking toward Muskogee but a soldier came by and picked them up. The soldier took them to Spaulding Park. From there they walked to their grandmother’s house on Main Street. Lois graduated from Gore High School. She and her husband, Lee Roy Johnston, became owners of Johnston Grocery from 1965-1980. Claud Louis Meeks later entered her life and they were married on November 18, 1974 in Las Vegas, NV; having shared 37 years together. The first 10 years of their marriage, they enjoyed traveling to several countries and islands. Lois was a Christian. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Gore until she moved to Muskogee. She and Claud have been members of Community Baptist Church since 1980. Lois and Claud opened their home and pool to their church family for 4th of July celebrations for many years. During this time there were two baptisms in their pool. Mom was a servant and a wonderful cook. She loved to cook Sunday dinner after church for friends and family. She was happiest when surrounded by her family. She enjoyed having her grandchildren playing in the pool and serving them whatever they wanted poolside. Lois was preceded in death by her parents; son, Kelly Johnston; step son, David Meeks; and Lee Roy Johnston, the father of her children. She is survived by her husband, Claud, of the home; daughters, Patty Thomas, Cindy Garrison and husband, Charles; step daughters, Gwen Vandiver and Tina Hiller; brothers, Bill Steely and wife Mary, Jim Steely and wife Bobbi; grandchildren, Myles and Kim Thomas, Lisa Rogers, Kelly Thomas, Lindsey Thomas, Ryan Garrison, Sean and Ashley Garrison, Heather Garrison, Amanda and Jeremiah Hamilton, Chad Clay, Jeff Brink; step grandchildren, Jenny and Taf Morphis, Johnathan Vandiver, Shelly Foster, Alax Hiller; 23 great grandchildren; numerous other family members and friends.

Lois Marie Meeks

February 14, 1933 - March 11, 2012