Cornelia Garner Meehan was born September 23rd, 1924, in Wilson County, North Carolina. She was the second of six children born to Nannie Leigh and William Clarence Garner. Life was not easy in those days, but the children were loved, cared for, and comforted. They were fed and clothed and instructed in the ways of God. They were taught right from wrong and good from evil, and they were all active in the Community Church.

On September 27th, 1947, Cornelia married Erwin Meehan. God gave them four beautiful children. Donna Marie was the first born but God took her from her three months later. A few years later came Deborah Leigh and next Diane Marie. Then seven years later a son, Ed, was born. They were their pride and joy. They were the brightness in their lives, and they loved them dearly and equally.

During Cornelia’s own life she always tried to please God; to live as she knew He would want her to live. That isn’t easy as we all know, as there are obstacles, temptations and ole Satin always lurking around the corner to lead us astray. But she knew God was her Lord and Master. She always hung on to that and He always showed her the way. His way. She could never have survived without Him. And He gave her the strength in her time of need.

She had a job early on in life as a Government Girl in the Pentagon during WWII, but she quit that job to raise her children. She wanted to teach them, to give them a loving home with a mother who was always there for them. That is impossible now for many, but she was very glad that she could do that for them. While they were growing up, she was active in the Sunday School Class and before that she cared for the toddlers. Later, she had to relinquish that job to someone else as circumstances took her away. Her children were baptized in the Washington Street United Methodist Church and two of them were married in this Church.

After the children grew up and left the home, Connie (as people knew her) felt a great need to give something more of herself…. Something to benefit others without expecting anything in return. She wanted to do alms in silence so that the one to benefit from it would not know that it was she doing the service. So, she went to work as a volunteer at Mount Vernon Hospital. She walked miles delivering medications, late food trays, blood, lab specimens, flowers, mail, and medical records. She also substituted on the O.R. Desk. She helped with fund-raising activities and wherever there was a need. She enjoyed what she did and there she met and made many wonderful friends while doing a service to others. At one time she was Noble Grand of the Rebekah’s of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, and her theme was Service to Others.

Now that her days on earth have ended and God has called her Home, I know that He is waiting for her with opened arms and that she will dwell with Him forever, and someday she will see her children and grand-children and all of her loved ones in Heaven. For He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is Master and He rules over All. And who-soever believeth in Christ shall have everlasting Life.

The family will receive friends at the Pleasant Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 5018 Rosebud Church Road, Elm City, NC 27822 from 12 noon until the time of service.

Interment will be at 2:00 PM at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 2800 Nash St North, Wilson, NC 27896

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