Legretta Juanita (Gillard) Meekins

Legretta Juanita Gillard Meekins, 92, was born March 16, 1932, to the late Vernon Gillard and Mary Harper Gillard, of Cumberland County, NC. Legretta, affectionally known as Juanita ,  attended High School at  E.E. Smith High and graduated at the top of her class in 1950. Juanita’s love for the Lord early in life lead her to join Abney Chapel SDA Church. She later went on to marry, the now late, MSgt Walter E Meekins Sr. They then lived for a number of years in Germany before returning to Ft. Bragg, NC,  where he later retired.

Upon returning from Germany, Juanita became a highly active member of Abney Chapel SDA, holding positions such as Sabbath School Superintendent, Sabbath School Teacher, Senior Choir Director, and a member of the  Usher Board. Juanita was a longtime supporter of the Gertrude McNeil Alumni Association, member and secretary of the Golden Age Department, Director of the Chancellor Choir over the years and assisted with Vacation Bible School as well a member of various other organizations. Juanita was also an avid supporter of Fayetteville State University, where she attended for a few years and a dedicated philanthropist to the VFW, The NC State Troopers Foundation, The Environmental Defense Fund, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, just to name a few.

Juanita held various positions within the Fayetteville community including pianist at several churches, her most tenure at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NC. She took pride in her music and enjoyed playing the piano at home with sheets of music everywhere. When she played her neighbors would smile and at times sit outside on cool spring days to take in the glorious sounds coming from her home. She loved her family and was a “praying” mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Legretta Juanita Meekins departed this life on January 14, 2025, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital. Her love for music and her favorite saying “Keep it in the Road” will forever be remembered in the hearts of her beloved family, children, and friends. She is predeceased by husband, MSGT Walter E Meekins Sr.; daughter, Cassundra Anita Meekins-Harris; brother, Landis Swartz Gillard. She is survived by one son, Walter E. Meekins Jr, (Trannie); 5 grandchildren, Reginald D. Meekins, J. Marie Taylor, Angela L. Johnson (Sammie II), Brooke E. Meekins, Yolanda J. Mclure (Sean) and 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services-

January 26, 2025

Viewing 11-12

12:00 PM

Abney Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Church

2996 Rosehill Road

Fayetteville, NC 28301

Arrangements by Herring Funeral Care & Cremations.

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