Mary Joan Meekins

MARY JOAN "MAIZIE" MEEKINS FLORENCE, S.C. MARY JOAN "MAIZIE" MEEKINS, 80, of Florence, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2013 at her residence after an illness. Our mother was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, a daughter of the late Michael and Mary Murphy. She is survived by her son, Michael Olin Meekins and his wife Penny of Blythewood, SC; son, Daniel Oakley Meekins and his wife Ellen of Marshall, VA; daughter, Mary Dawn May and her husband Val of Florence, SC; brother, Chuck Murphy (Rita) of Toronto, CA; sister, Patsy Jackman (Tommy) of The Goulds, Newfoundland, CA; grandchildren, Elizabeth Ashley Province (Cody), John Richard Meekins (Ashley), Sophie Marie May and Lily Marie Meekins; great-grandchildren, Mary Grace Meekins and Savannah Hope Meekins.She is also survived by many dear family members and loving friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by our father, Olin Lester Meekins, who also died on January 20th, but in 2004; two brothers, Martin and John Murphy and by four sisters; Anne Stamp, Bride Kennedy, Theresa and Margaret Murphy. Our mother was a devout Catholic, and a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church since arriving in Florence after the retirement of our father from the U.S. Air Force in 1976.She was a selfless, loving mother, wife, sister and friend.She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There will be a Christian Wake Service at 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home, with visitation following until 8:00 P.M. A Catholic Mass will be said at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 25, 2013 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Interment of her ashes will be at a later date in the Florence National Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Anthony's Catholic Church Building Fund, 2536 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, SC 29501. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.