Johnnie Mary Meador

Johnnie Mary Jackson Meador, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and community leader—lovingly known as “Mrs. Johnnie”—passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 100.

Born on June 30, 1924, to John Jackson and Mary Washington Jackson, Mrs. Meador devoted her life to education, service, and the empowerment of others. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Kelly Louis Meador; siblings Mary Dell Osborne, John Wesley Jackson, Charles Wesley Jackson, Nannie B. Jackson Grays, and Edna Earle Jackson; and her son-in-law, Milton (Mike) Deen, II.

As an educator and counselor for the Austin Independent School District for over 30 years, Mrs. Meador made a lasting impact on countless students and families. A trailblazer in the field of education, her concentration was in the field of Special Education, dedicating her career to supporting and uplifting students with unique learning needs. She began her academic journey at Paul Quinn College and earned her Bachelor's degree from Tillotson College, now known as Huston-Tillotson University. She later achieved her Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin—an extraordinary accomplishment in her era and a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning.

Mrs. Meador was a faithful member of Metropolitan AME Church, where she served as a stewardess and an active member of the AME Church Lay Organization for many years. She was a proud Diamond Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., recently celebrating 80 years of membership in her beloved sisterhood. She also served as Secretary of the Capitol City Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., and generously volunteered her time and talents to the American Red Cross, Mothers’ March of Dimes, the Salina Senior Center, and in her later years, she served as a member of her neighborhood association—consistently exemplifying grace, leadership, and a deep commitment to service.

A favorite past-time of Mrs. Meador was her love for “gardening”; she owned her very own greenhouse.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Marilyn Meador Deen of Austin and Kelva Meador-Taylor (Lester Taylor) of Lexington; granddaughters Melanie Deen Chambers (Anthony Chambers) of Houston, Monica Deen, and Mallorie Deen, both of Austin; and numerous devoted friends.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched through education, community service, and her unwavering faith.

A life well-lived and a century well-served, Mrs. Johnnie Mary Jackson Meador leaves behind a rich legacy of compassion, excellence, and love.

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