On April 22, 2024, Cecilia Paulette Mitchell Meador, age 85, peacefully passed from this life into heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, while at her home in the presence of family. Even in the two years of challenging health, Paulette pressed on and remained an inspiration of faith and a steady source of strength to her loved ones, friends, and even the medical personnel who helped her.

Paulette was born March 9, 1939, in Russellville, to the late James William and Floy Lee Tackett Mitchell. She grew up and completed all her schooling in Russellville. The youngest of five children, Paulette learned all about plants, gardening, sewing, cooking, and housekeeping from her mother and siblings. As a child, she developed the softest heart toward animals—especially rabbits, deer, chickens, dogs, and cats. She was a faithful member of the Rainbow Organization for girls. Paulette played percussion in the Russellville school bands from 6th-12th grade and was a majorette in the Cyclone Marching Band. She was voted homecoming maid in her underclassmen years, and she was crowned the homecoming queen in the fall of her senior year at RHS. She graduated in May of 1957, and upon graduation, she soon married her high school sweetheart, Eddie Meador. During the next two years, Paulette worked for the Russellville Chamber of Commerce while Eddie was finishing college and his football career at Arkansas Tech University. When Eddie was drafted into the NFL by the Rams in 1959, Paulette moved to Los Angeles with him and their first-born son, Mike, and later had two more sons, Mark and David, and supported her husband throughout his career while she took care of her boys and their home.

During her years in California, Paulette actively served in the PTA of her sons' schools and was the PTA President for Mike's school—Hollydale School for the Orthopedically Handicapped. Paulette was particularly instrumental with fundraising for special needs children for things such as playground equipment. In addition to the PTA of both schools, Paulette served as member and president of the Downey (California) Jaycettes (a women-led civic organization).

In 1970, Paulette and her family moved to Richardson, Texas, where she continued her civic involvement and activity with the boys' schools. In 1972, she and Eddie welcomed their fourth child, their daughter Victoria Meador.

In 1976, Paulette and her children moved to Russellville. Professionally, she succeeded in a career with the local telephone company known as Contel & GTE. In addition to raising her children and supporting them through their school, college, work, and family life, her servant heart led her to be the primary caregiver of her parents, her sisters, and even some female friends who needed her assistance. She enjoyed cooking and helping host special events for others, and was always looking for ways to quietly help anyone and any animal with a need. She was always a knowledgeable spectator of football and supporter of anything her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were involved in. She was a big fan of the popular show The Chosen and of the ministry of the late Charles Stanley. She has faithfully served as a board member and advocate for the MARVA Sheltered Workshop through all her adult years in Russellville.

Paulette was a member of the First Baptist Church of Russellville, where she had served as a choir member, a Sunday School teacher, and a worker in the church nursery.

In addition to her parents, Paulette was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Helen Keener, Iva Ruth Utley, and Marion Reaves; and two nieces, Cordie Teddlie and Sherry Mitchell.

Paulette is survived by her three sons and daughter-in-law: Mike Meador of Russellville, Mark Meador (Kim) of Council Grove, Kansas, and David Meador of London and his special friend Shelly Clifton; a daughter and son-in-law: Vicki Meador-Baldwin (Wayne) of Russellville; a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph Doyle Mitchell (Jo Ann) of Knoxville; four nieces and two nephews: Sarah Meador-Claunch of Frisco, Texas; Cindy Bellow (Steve) of Russellville; Lisa Mitchell-Johnson of Dallas; Kathy Mitchell of Cedar Hill, Tennessee; Jim Meador (Wanda) of Kerrville, Texas; and Russ Reaves (Carmen) of Russellville; eight grandchildren: Nikki Day (Pete), Joseph Meador (Kylie), Devin Brown (Megan), Ryan Meador, Zoey Baldwin (Brady), Zack Baldwin, Whitley Kuburich (Nick), and Alexis Terrell (Jordan); and eight great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A graveside service will be held under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville with the Rev. Dale Walker officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, April 26, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to MARVA Sheltered Workshop, 1205 South Arkansas Avenue, Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

Pallbearers will be Joseph, Devin, Ryan, Zack, Pete, and Brady.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.

"I shall pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

~ Stephen Grellet