Faye Wynona Meredith

Faye Wynona Meredith, 87, entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior on September 1, 2026. She had run her race, fought the good fight, and kept the faith, leaving behind a life that was strong in spirit, abundant in love, and firmly rooted in the Lord she trusted through every season.

Faye was born August 12, 1939, in Clarksville, Arkansas, to the late Benjamin Arthur and Rosa Lea Simpson. She was raised on her family’s apple orchard, where hard work became a part of life from an early age. She helped milk the cows and worked alongside her family as they sold fresh milk to people throughout the community. Those early years helped shape the strength, determination, and work ethic that would remain with her throughout her life.

After graduating from Lamar High School, Faye was preparing to leave for college on scholarship at Oral Roberts University when life took an unexpected and beautiful turn. She met Jake Meredith, and for the two of them, it was love at first sight. Together, they built a life and family, sharing 36 years of marriage and welcoming five children. Their years together were filled with joys, responsibilities, challenges, and countless memories that come from raising a family, something Faye considered among the greatest blessings of her life.

For many years, Faye managed the Loft Restaurant in Clarksville, where her gift for Southern cooking became well known. She could make the kind of food that brought people together and made them want to stay a while. Her homemade rolls were especially loved and remembered, but what made Faye's cooking so special was the same thing that made so much of her life special: she put her heart into it.

Faye was a strong woman, truly strong. Life did not spare her from heartache, loss, or difficult seasons, but hardship never had the final word in her life. Her faith remained steadfast. She knew the Lord personally, trusted Him completely, and carried a simple assurance that spoke volumes about the way she lived: “God’s got me.” Whatever came her way, Faye knew whose hands held her.

That faith was also evident in the way she loved people. Faye had a genuine love for others, all people, from every walk of life. She did not measure someone by where they came from, what they had, or what they had been through. She met people where they were, accepted them, and loved them with the love of Christ. There was room in Faye’s heart for people, and she had a way of making sure they knew it.

Above all, her greatest love on this earth was her family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved them fiercely and made certain they never had to wonder what they meant to her. Family was not simply an important part of Faye’s life; they were the people she poured herself into, prayed for, worried over, celebrated, fed, encouraged, and loved with her whole heart.

Faye also knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. She loved being outdoors, surrounded by nature, and was always ready for a good road trip. Fishing was one of her favorite pastimes, and she was quite good at it. In fact, she made an excellent fishing partner- as long as you did not mind watching most of the fish end up on her line. She also enjoyed playing Bingo, working word searches, and faithfully keeping up with The Young and the Restless, a longtime favorite.

For the last 32 years, Faye shared her life with her devoted companion, Gerald Davidson, Sr., of Hensley, Arkansas. Gerald faithfully stood beside her, loving and caring for Faye with all his heart. Their many years together added another treasured chapter to her life, filled with companionship, devotion, and memories shared.

Faye’s memory will be lovingly carried forward by Gerald; her children, Benny (Mitzi) Meredith of Frankfort, Kentucky, Lorena (Ricky) Moody of Benton, and Wanda (Curtis) Wallace of Benton; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; bonus children, Gerald (Amy) Davidson, Jr. and DeAnn Davidson; sister, Joyce, in Tennessee; along with many relatives, friends, and others whose lives were touched by her love.

Waiting to welcome Faye home were her parents; her beloved husband, Jake Meredith; her sons, Randy Meredith and James Meredith; and her grandsons, Marcus Owen, Joshua Meredith, and Jacob Meredith.

To honor and celebrate Faye’s life, a graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Cameron Cemetery, 8095 Samples Rd., Benton, Arkansas.

The family extends a special and heartfelt thank you to the staff of the fourth floor at Saline Memorial Hospital for the compassion, kindness, and exceptional care shown to Faye.

Faye leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves the example of a woman who knew how to work hard, love deeply, stand strong, welcome others, enjoy life, and trust God when the road was difficult. Her family will miss her cooking, her strength, her laughter, her fishing stories, her presence, and the unmistakable way she loved them. But they can take comfort in knowing that the faith Faye carried throughout her life has now become sight.

She ran her race. She kept the faith. And just as she always knew, God had her.