Mary Jacqueline Ekes Meyers

Mary Jacqueline Ekes Meyers, 94, of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in Stephenville, Texas, on March 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Ellisville, Mississippi, to Otis and Mary Ekes, Jacqueline spent her life nurturing the emotional well-being of others. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and later completed a Master of Science degree. She devoted over 35 years to the Laurel City Schools, primarily as a guidance counselor, where she was known for her extraordinary empathy and unwavering support of students — especially those facing challenges at home. Jacqueline had deep interest in the inner lives of others. Whether sitting beside a stranger on a plane or welcoming a neighbor into her kitchen, she made people feel seen and heard. Her presence was steady, thoughtful, and profoundly kind. Her sense of delight in others and their quirks, her sense of humor and fun made her a gift to many and will be deeply missed. She was first married to David Toler, and from that marriage came two sons, Owen and David. In 1969, she married Jim Meyers, who raised her boys — Owen, David, and Jason — with warmth and devotion. Jacqueline and Jim shared 40 years of marriage until his passing in 2009. In her later years, Jacqueline remained deeply engaged with her family, including her daughter-in-law Kimberly and especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed regular visits from David and her grandson Nicholas and spent long, cherished stretches in Virginia with Jason, Kimberly, and grandchildren, Maelen and Michael. She was a grounding force in all of their lives. She was a lifelong Baptist whose faith was expressed most clearly through her love and care for others. Jacqueline was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents, Otis and Mary; and her sisters, Helen and Carol. She is survived by her sons, Owen, David, and Jason; her daughters-in-law Kimberly and Ginny; her grandchildren Caroline, Graham, Nicholas, Maelen, and Michael; her great-grandchildren Montgomery and Mickey Sue; and her niece and nephew, Gianna and Richard. A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday, March 28, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, March 29, at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Laurel, with a brief graveside service at Ellisville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Christian Food Mission in Laurel, in honor of Jacqueline’s lifelong commitment to listening, caring, and helping others find their way. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Mary Jacqueline Ekes Meyers

December 18, 1930 - March 24, 2025