Virginia Faye Meek was born in Iowa on May 21, 1918. She was the tenth child born to John William & Lena Orinda (Hyatt) Meek. She had a twin brother who sadly was stillborn. She spent most of her early life in the Stanberry, Missouri area where she married Eldon Temple. They had four children, Dorothy Faye; the twins, Alma Arlene and Orinda Darlene; and Jerry Eldon. After divorcing, Virginia moved to southwest Missouri where she lived in Bolivar and worked in a garment factory. She also lived in Warrensburg, Missouri and worked in the University Library.
She moved to Bakersfield, California where she married Oscar McLaughlin. After serveral years and the end of her marriage, Virginia returned to Springfield, Missouri to enjoy her family. Whether it was her family or just friends, she was “Granny Mac” to all who loved her.
Some of her favorite things were picture puzzles, Yahtzee, sea shells, frogs, making her famous pound cakes, and cuckoo clocks. She loved to jump on a tour bus Nashville bound to hear her country music. She also was a ticket-taker for the Springfield Park Board for many years. She made each person feel so special. But, when that finger with the thumb pushed down on it came out and “Granny said” was spoken, everybody knew she meant business. She had a different saying for disciplining those needing firmer words (Daryl knows those words well).
As her health worsened, Virginia moved to Bristol Manor in Willard before moving to the Willard Care Center where she was loved and cared for like she was their very own Granny Mac. She had nineteen grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren, and twenty-six great-great grandchildren.
After living a very full & happy life, she went to see her Savior three days after her 93rd birthday.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 27, 2011 in Greenlawn Funeral Home North at 3:00 P.M. with Pastor David Garrison officiating. Family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 P.M., before the services on Friday.