Almeda Wilkes

Almeda "Meda" Wilkes, 87, of Waco passed away August 2, 2006. Services will be 10 am Monday at OakCrest Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Patterson officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at 9 to 10 am Monday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

Meda ran nimbly and unhampered into the arms of her God. She left her cane, walker, wheelchair on earth and ran straight to Him Mrs. Wilkes was an overcomer. She overcame multiple sclerosis, massive stroke, shattered hip and breast cancer. After extensive rehab with multiple sclerosis, she used the same techniques to teach herself to walk again countless times. She was able to do this because she drew her strength from God. Meda was a courageous, determined, disciplined daughter of God. No one could possibly count the people she influenced and who loved her deeply.

Mrs. Wilkes was a "domestic engineer" who loved her job. She was an excellent seamstress. She enjoyed making clothes for her girls and many other family members. Meda also did beautiful needlework. Most of her family is enjoying the quilts she made. She was an avid reader and loved trading books with other readers. She thoroughly enjoyed the friendships she made as a member of both a study club and a bridge club. Meda kept in touch with these friends long after she was unable to attend their meetings. After her husband died, she moved into Stilwell Retirement Center. She made many more friends there and enjoyed the domino and card games they played together. She was an active participant on several boards at Stilwell, as well as the various activities planned by Stilwell. She was a woman on the go for as long as she was able.

Mrs. Wilkes was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Wilkes, sisters Joyce Warrick and Doris Migliaccio, brother Leon House, daughter Sheila Cowan, grandson Kelly Cowan, great grandson Scott Gandee.

Mrs. Wilkes is survived by daughter, Elaine Smith and her husband Barry Smith, grandchildren Mark Smith and his wife, Jenna; Brad Smith and his wife, Robyn; Laura Gordon and her husband, James; Kirby Cowan and his wife, Chris; great grandchildren Matt Smith, Elizabeth Gandee, Trevor Gordon, Daniela Cowan, Joshua Cowan; and special niece Candyce House Johnson.