Gretta ‘Meriam’ Elder Eakin
akin Gretta “Meriam” Elder Eakin was born March 30, 1934, to Gretta Treadwell Elder and Frank Elder Jr. and passed away Sept. 4, 2023.
She attended Kilgore schools and graduated high school in 1952. She attended Baylor University and the University of Louisville, graduating cum laude with her degree in Elementary Education from Baylor University in 1956. Meriam’s teaching career began in Jefferson County, Kent., and spanned 26 years, ending in Tyler, where she spent her last eight years as librarian at Douglas Elementary School. She was also chosen Teacher of the Year while serving there. Before becoming a librarian, Meriam received her Masters Degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. She put her career on hold from 1957 to 1967 while she spent time at home with her children.
Miriam was a member of Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler for many years where she was active in the Pairs and Parents Sunday School Class. She celebrated 50 years as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2010. She was also a member of Colonial Dames of the XVII Century, Theta Nu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teacher’s organization and Texas Retired Teachers Association.
She has lived in Tyler since 1989. Meriam is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Joe C. Eakin III and her sister, Minette Elder.
Meriam is survived by her children, Gretta Eakin Sharp and husband Herbert, Joseph Eakin, and Sharon Walhood; her grandchildren, Gretta Marie Sharp and husband Kevin, Jace Eakin, MacKenzie Eakin, and Nikki Stark and husband Jeff; and great-grandchildren, Gretta Estelle “Stella” Sharp, Sterling Sharp, Mark Stark, Emilee McMillian, Clara Grace Stark, and Creede Stark. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Elder III and wife Lee; a niece, Carey Elder Kelley; and a nephew, Bo Elder and wife Laura; as well as several close cousins on both sides of the family.
Memorial services will be at Marvin United Methodist Church chapel in Tyler, on Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.
