Mississippi

  Our fore-parents settled in Canton, Mississippi many, many years ago. Canton is situated about eighteen miles north of Jackson, the Capitol of Mississippi.

   After settling in Canton, our grandfather, Abner Meeks, Sr., was born on September 8, 1879 to Eddie and Betty Hampton-Meeks.

  Papa's grandmother on his father's side was an African named Becky. His grandmother on his mother's side was an Indian named Delphia. Papa remembered his grandmother, Delphia, having white straight hair that was soft as feathers. He never heard her say a harsh word to anybody.

   Grandpa Eddie, as Papa's father was affectionately called, was a church going man. He served as a class leader and a steward (aka deacon). He liked dressing up and he loved to go to different places. He was not a field man. Papa said, "Grandpa Eddie raised him, he hit him only two times in his life, and he was the ONLY person to ever hit him."

   Papa's mother was named Betty. She was a fair skinned woman and wore her hair cut short in the back with bangs. She went to church almost every Sunday. Although her membership was at Bethel Church, Papa recalled his mother and father riding side saddle to Sweet Water Church.

   At 17 years of age, Papa Abner married Madora Haymore. She was the proud daughter of the late Reverend Tee and Cordelia Henderson-Haymore. Mama Dora's father, Tee Haymore, was a Methodist Minister. After their marriage, Papa Abner and Mama Dora moved to Holmes County (Acona Community) Lexington, Mississippi.

   To this union 14 children were born. 2 died in infancy. Although, they now were parents of 12 children, they also raised a grandson, Willie "Joe" Meeks. They raised 13 children. All have gone home to Glory, their presence is always felt, especially when we gather together.  WE HONOR THEM ALWAYS!!! Joshua (1981), Bertha Ann (1987), Abner (1991), Mary (1991), Lula (1994), Charlie (1995), Cormia (1997), John Edgar (1998), Lucille (2000), Connie (2006), Joe (2005), Nora (2012), and Manervia (2016).

   Papa Abner and Mama Dora will always be remembered as the sweetest parents and grandparents in the world. Their love, kindness, and guidance influenced their children to the extent that all of them remembered their home atmosphere as a place filled with love for each other and the willingness to help each other. 

   Mama Dora departed this life on August 22, 1948, after a long illness at the age of 56. Papa Abner departed this life on July 10, 1987, at the blessed age of 107. He lived a healthy and fulfilling life. 

   The Legacy continues.....GOD IS GOOD!

I pledge the oath to you my family.

That I will uphold my family heritage with 

respect for the values of my forefathers.

To live a good life, but take it one day at a

time. To do unto others as you would have

them do unto you.  To try to help people

rather than beat them. Most importantly,

have a strong belief in the most high and

let him guide me down a path that's 

righteous.

I pledge to teach my family about the

history of our family, that we never forget

that we're family.

I pledge to make a conscious effort to

donate to the family fund, to ensure the 

rich tradition of the Meeks Family Reunion

legacy continues for generations to come.

Family Forever,

LaFamilia4Life!