Meredith, E. Gay
Gay Meredith, 74, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022, at her home in Snowville. She was retired from Virginia Tech Computer Science Department. Gay was preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Florence Meredith; partner, Bob Steffen; sister, Mary Byrd Poore; and brother Barney Meredith.
Gay was born in October 1948 and was raised on her parent’s dairy farm in Snowville, Va. This is where her love for plants, animals and nature began. While she spent much time learning and devoting herself to nature and animals, she also found time for things like reading, quilting, and writing. Graduating and retiring from Virginia Tech meant that she was a huge Virginia Tech sports fan, and you would find her many days sporting her Virginia Tech clothing. Anyone who knew Gay knew that she marched to the beat of her own drum and that she had an immense love for her cats.
Gay is survived by her sister, Janet (Conley) Dishon of Snowville; brother, Ernest (Nydia) Meredith of Snowville; sister-in-law, Charlotte Meredith of Riner; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
A visitation and time to share memories will be held on Saturday, December 3rd at 1 p.m. at the Snowville Ruritan Building, 4866 Lead Mine Road, Snowville, VA.
The Meredith family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.
November 17, 2022 @ 5:57 am
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of my Bobbsey Twin. We shared an office for many years during my time in CS. There was not a dog or cat around that she did not passionately try to defend or help; that included most (if not all) wildlife, including the possums that would share her outside cathouse. She had a soft spot for the students that passed under her tutelage during her time at VT and her office would often be a gathering place. We didn’t always agree on issues, but that allowed us to have some spirited discussions and at least see the other side, even if we ended up agreeing to disagree. Everyone’s animals that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge now have an extra guardian to look after them.
November 17, 2022 @ 8:45 am
I was one of those students. I learned more in that office than in some classes, and still use it today. When I started working for Tech, it was good to know she was on the other side of campus keeping things under control. The world is a poorer place.
November 17, 2022 @ 8:46 am
I remember working on the network in VT’s McBryde Hall and having to get Gay’s permission before “messing around” in her closets! 🙂 She was one of a kind and always ready to be helpful when it came to getting things accomplished. She will be missed.
November 17, 2022 @ 7:50 pm
I worked with Gay in Computer Science for a number of years. I would always say to her “ you are a mess”. She was one of a kind. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family.
December 2, 2022 @ 3:59 pm
I can honestly say Gay was one of the most influential individuals in my career in IT and my life. To this day I quote the immortal wisdom she shared with me while I bemoaned something that was broken but worked the day before – “You ever have a flat tire? Was it flat the day before?”
For me, Gay was an example of how to care for those who need our compassion (animal or human), how to separate authority from correctness, and how to smile in the face of the unfair hardship life deals out.
The world is poorer for her passing.