Louise Lewis Meredith

December 17, 1927 – August 4, 2026

Louise Lewis Meredith, lovingly known by many as “Ms. Louise,” “Ms. Merdy,” and “Ma Lou,” was born on December 17, 1927, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to the late Laura and Herbert Lewis. One of 20 children, Louise was raised with the values of faith, family, hard work, and caring for others, values that would remain at the center of her life for 98 years. 

Louise made Winston-Salem, North Carolina, her home, where she and her family established deep roots at 1615 East First Street. That home became much more than an address. It was a gathering place filled with family, neighborhood children, laughter, lessons, discipline, and love. Louise helped raise and nurture generations of her own family, as well as many others who came through her doors. Whether they called her Ms. Louise, Ms. Merdy, or Ma Lou, countless people knew her as a woman who cared for them as if they were her own. 

Louise was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished grandmother, and the beloved matriarch of her family. She dedicated her life to caring for those she loved, creating a home where family always had a place and where generations learned the importance of respect, responsibility, faith, and love. She took tremendous pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, pouring herself into each generation that followed. Louise was also a hardworking woman who spent many years with Piedmont Tobacco Company, beginning in the early 1970s and retiring in the early 1990s. Her commitment to hard work was another example she set for her family and those around her. 

She was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years, an organization through which she demonstrated her commitment to fellowship, service, and community. Her Christian faith was one of the foundations of her life. Louise was a faithful member of Shouse Temple CME Church, where she served on the Usher Board. She was a God-fearing woman who believed deeply in the Word of God and made certain those values were passed down through her children, grandchildren, and the generations that followed. Louise was known for her kindness, strength, wisdom, and the respect she commanded from those around her. Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter brought joy to those fortunate enough to know her. She knew when to offer encouragement, when to provide guidance, and when a little correction was necessary. One of her familiar reminders whenever someone got out of line was, “Jesus is looking at you, and He is not pleased, but He loves you, and I love you too.” Those words captured so much of who Louise was faith, accountability, wisdom, and unconditional love. 

Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Franklin Meredith Jr.; her daughter, Blanche Meredith; her grandson, George Meredith; and her son-in-law, David Ingram. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Detrice Ingram and Wanda Lightborne (Adrian Lightborne); her sons, John Meredith III (Yvonne Meredith) and Veldon Meredith (Delores Meredith); her sister, Marie Rice and her husband, David Rice; along with 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren; she also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and others whose lives were touched by her love and guidance. 

On August 4, 2026, Louise completed a remarkable journey of 98 years. Though her earthly work is finished, the legacy of Ms. Louise, Ms. Merdy, and Ma Lou will continue through the generations she helped raise, the faith she shared, the wisdom she passed along, and the countless lives she touched. Her family will remember a woman of strength and faith, a devoted wife and mother, a treasured grandmother, and a matriarch whose influence reached far beyond the walls of her home at 1615 East First Street. She leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves lessons, traditions, faith, strength, and an example of what it means to love and care for family. A life well lived, A family well loved, A legacy that will continue for generations.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Friday, August 14, 2026 at St. John CME Church. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Friday at the Church.