Carolyn Joyce Meister

Carolyn Joyce Meister, age 87, of Olive Branch, MS, formerly of Little Rock, AR, went to be with the Lord on November 22, 2024. Born March 23, 1937, Carol grew up in Mabelvale, AR and, after skipping two grades, graduated from Mabelvale High School at 16 years old. She attended Draughon’s Business College and then began work as the secretary to the Commander of Little Rock Air Force Base. She met the love of her life, James (Jim) Meister, who was in the Air Force, at a YWCA dance where she wrote her phone number on a napkin with her lipstick! They married on June 7, 1957, and were 20 days from celebrating their 60th anniversary when Jim passed away. They were members of Geyer Spring First Baptist Church where together; they sang in the choir and taught Sunbeams.

After marrying, they continued to live in Little Rock where she worked until she had her first child in 1962. Following the birth of their second child in 1965, the family moved to Ft. Smith, AR where they were active at Eastside Baptist Church. Carol taught GA’s, worked with Girl Scout troop 52 and was in the hospital auxiliary at St. Edwards Mercy Hospital. 

After their last child was born in 1971, they moved to Bartlett, TN where they began a ministry at Broadmoor Baptist Church (Now Waypoint Baptist). Teaching Sunday School to young married couples brought a joy to Carol’s life. She loved ministering to people and sharing the love of her Savior. She touched the lives of a special group of newly married young women and mentored them through many years of their lives creating a bond which continues to this day.

Moving back to Little Rock in 1985, they served together at several churches until finally rejoining Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. As a couple, they shared the love of Jesus and taught many years together with The Seekers Sunday School class which gave them both joy and fulfillment. Beginning her collegiate career after her son started high school, she attended University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she obtained both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in gerontology and social work. She worked in nursing homes across Arkansas and, finally, at Southwest Hospital as a social worker and activity coordinator with Alzheimer’s patients. She loved all her patients and made precious memories for many families.

A few years after Jim’s death, Carol moved to Silvercreek Retirement Center in Olive Branch, MS where she was close to her daughter and grandchildren. She loved being able to see the birth of her great grandson and watch him grow. Even at Silvercreek, she was touching the lives of those around her and making people laugh with her silly spirit and caring touch. Her Silvercreek family will miss her very much.

Carol is survived by her brother, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Brown (Shirley) of North Little Rock, AR, her brother-in-law, Charles Meister (Jeanette) of Gulf Breeze, FL; her daughters: Cathy Melton of Pensacola, FL, Karen Brown (Mike) of Southaven, MS, and her son, J.T. Meister, Jr. (Ginger) of Little Rock, AR, her 6 grandchildren: Jennifer Armstrong (Michael) of Bartlett, TN, Meghan Silva (Alex) of Hernando, MS, Steven Brown (Amanda) of Southaven, MS, Colton Meister of Little Rock, AR, Jamie Evans (Alex) of Bartlett, TN and Anna Scott Meister of Little Rock, AR.; 2.5 great grandchildren: Madison Armstrong, Ciel Silva and, coming in March 2025, Adalyn Silva; her nephews: Mark Meister (Karen), Matt Meister (Suzanne), Greg Brown (Beth), Gary Brown (Fran), and many, many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Chester Brown and Viola Rowland Brown, and her beloved husband, James T. (Jim) Meister.

A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, Granny, aunt, and friend, Carol loved her Savior and wanted all to come to know Him. She will be greatly missed, but we will see her again! “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.’” Proverbs 31:28-29

Graveside Services will be Friday, December 6 at 1:00 pm. Carol will be interred with her husband, Jim, at the Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery 1501 W Maryland Ave, North Little Rock, AR 72120