Martha Jane Meredith

MARTHA JANE MEREDITH, 92, a life-long resident of North Little Rock, passed away on July 21, 2017. She was born at 1709 Main St., in North Little Rock, and delivered by Dr. William Milton Burns, for whom Burns Park was named. She later sang for Dr. Burns' second wedding after his first wife passed away. She was preceded in death by her parents, Conley and Ruby Wood, and a brother, David P. Wood, and the love of her life and her husband, Jimmy Meredith. At age five Martha saw Jimmy for the first time at age six singing in the church choir. She is survived by her son, J. Conley Meredith, and his wife, Charlotte D. Meredith, of San Antonio, Texas, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and many other extended family members and friends. She is survived by Emily Sauer, who for over 11 years provided love, care, support and joy that made it possible for Martha to remain in her home until her final days. Martha and Emily considered each other sisters. She graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1942, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, and played a starring role in the senior musical, "Tune In." The 1942 North Little Rock High School Annual predicted, "Go where she will, she will make her mark," and that she has done by the countless lives she has touched with her beautiful singing, numerous notes and letters of affirmation bringing hope to family, friends, and even strangers across the nation. For over 32 years she worked for the Veterans Hospital in both North Little Rock and Little Rock. In her final years of service she served as the administrative assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Little Rock Veterans Administration Hospital. Although she was a wonderful federal employee, she loved singing and music even more! With Jimmy Meredith, they made beautiful music together in church and in memorial services in North Little Rock and elsewhere. While he played the organ, she sang for weddings and funerals for family members and friends. Martha sang praises to God in an adult choir for over 65 years! She was also a wonderful cook, hostess, and gave words of reassurance and praise to everyone she met. She believed in later years that the reason she was still alive was that God wanted her to help encourage others. Even though her eyesight and handwriting were failing, she continued to send notes to those she thought needed it most up until the day she went to the hospital. Now, it is up to those of us left behind to take over where she left off to encourage others. She lived life to the fullest every day. Visitation is at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 N. Main St., North Little Rock, Ark., from 5:30-7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. A Celebration of Martha's Life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 6701 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, Ark. At 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2017. In lieu of flowers donations are requested to The Wildcat Foundation: Fine Arts Program, P.O. Box 94926, North Little Rock Ark., 72190, in memory of Martha Meredith, or to the First United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, Ark. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.