Meredith-Jackson, Elizabeth Barret

Elizabeth Barret Meredith-Jackson, 96, of Pulaski, died peacefully Sunday morning, July 27, 2008, in Carilion New River Valley Medical Center.

She was born August 9, 1911, in Charlottesville, and was the daughter of the late Constance Ann Beatty Meredith and James Thomas Meredith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, John Meredith, who died as a result of an automobile accident in 1953.

Elizabeth graduated from Clifton Forge High School and attended the College of William and Mary. She transferred to Westminster Choir College, Ithaca, N.Y., and Princeton, N.J. She was a member of the renowned Westminster Touring and Broadcasting Choir. Elizabeth received the degree of bachelor of science in education from Radford College. She also received special certification, through course work at Madison College, for teaching public school music. She served as music supervisor and teacher in the James City County Schools.

Prior to coming to Pulaski, Elizabeth lived in Williamsburg, where she was minister of music at the Presbyterian Church of Williamsburg. Shortly after arriving in Pulaski in 1935, she organized and directed the choir of the First Christian Church and served as director for 11 years. She also directed the choirs of the First Baptist Church for a time.

Elizabeth, “Mrs. Jackson,” shared her love of learning and musical gifts with the elementary children in Pulaski whom she taught throughout 24 years of service in the Pulaski County Public Schools. She was a creative and imaginative teacher, tireless in her efforts to challenge and inspire her students. Many former students and fellow teachers remember Central Elementary School’s publication, “VIEWPOINT,” sponsored by Mrs. Jackson. It was a remarkable piece of publishing for elementary age children and an effective tool for learning. As a private teacher of voice for more than 50 years, she shared her talent and skill with 20 or more eager and often gifted students.

In 1957 Elizabeth was inducted into Nu Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma, an international honor society of outstanding women educators. She was also a member of Delta Phi Zeta Sorority of Ithaca, N.Y., the International Count Pulaski Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a life member of the Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by a niece, Nell “Penny” Smith, of Connecticut; a special friend and caregiver, Emogene Adkins, of Pulaski; a godchild, Mary Elizabeth Adkins Alexander, of Greenville, S.C.; and close friends, Rachel Wolfenbarger, of Roanoke, Fannie Collins and the late Landon Jay Collins, of Pulaski, and James Smith, of Pulaski.

Funeral services will be held 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at Thomas M. Seagle & Sons with the Rev. Dr. John White officiating. Interment will take place privately on Wednesday in Oakwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. service time. Flowers will be appreciated, but for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Thomas M. Seagle & Sons, Pulaski, Va.