Betty Jean Meeks

Betty “Jean” Purvis Meeks, 87, entered into rest on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Jean Purvis was born on June 2, 1937, in Morven, North Carolina, to the late Ross Jethro Purvis and Lela Jane Lee Purvis. She grew up in Anson County and graduated from Morven High School in 1955 as part of a close-knit class of just 13 students. That spring, she embarked on three of life’s biggest milestones in rapid succession—marrying her high school sweetheart, Robert “Garrett” Meeks, in April, graduating in May, and celebrating her 18th birthday in June.

Jean’s journey took her across the country and around the world as she embraced the role of a devoted military wife. After her husband, Garrett, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, she dedicated herself to creating a warm and loving home in each new place they were stationed. Over the next 28 years, she lived in the Philippines, Turkey, Washington State, Illinois, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Warner Robins, Georgia—where she and Robert would ultimately retire in 1981.

A steadfast and caring soul, Jean always put family first, offering unwavering love and support to those she cherished. She found joy in fellowship, becoming an active member of both the Centerville and Warner Robins Senior Citizens groups. She also had a creative spirit and spent many happy hours crafting ceramics. Faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was a longtime member of the Protestant services at the Base Chapel.

Jean’s legacy is one of love, devotion, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her brother, Welton Purvis.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her loving husband, Robert Garrett Meeks; children, Debra Gail Meeks Toliver (Kevin) and David Meeks (Ruth); grandchildren, Heather Hilderbrand (Ben), Emily Toliver, Kelly Sellers (Graham), and Katie Morris (Ben); great-grandchildren, Gavin Hilderbrand, Olivia Sellers, Morgan Sellers, James Morris, Virginia Morris, and Charles Morris.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, Jean will be laid to rest in Andersonville National Cemetery.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Jean Meeks to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.