Elmira Irvin Johnson

Elmira Moss Meeks Irvin-Johnson, affectionately known as "The Big Oak", was born on November 17, 1926, to Wiley Meeks and Patsy Moss-Meeks in Jonestown, Mississippi. She was the youngest daughter of twelve children born to Wiley and Patsy Meeks, both of whom preceded her in death.

She and her siblings were required to attend Bible study and church weekly. Elmira confessed her hope in Christ at an early age at Mt. Olive M.B. Church in Jonestown, Mississippi, where she served as an usher and sang in the choir. She loved ushering on God's door! She remained faithful in her belief in God until the end.

In 1944, Elmira married Lue Turner Irvin, and to this union, six children were born. In 1965, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and secured employment with Barnes Hospital, where she later retired. She joined Mt. Esther M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Rev. L.C. Richmond and served on the Mother's Board. In 1987, she married Eddie L. Johnson, who also preceded her in death. In 2022, she became a member of Faith Community Bible Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael Byrd.

Elmira was the Matriarch of her family, and what she said was how it was! A self-made, all-knowing, professional herbalist, she was also a phenomenal cook. She loved her family and kept tabs on everyone—she had to know where everyone was at all times! A humble and hardworking woman, she carried the smile of an angel. Her mind remained sharp even into her late 90s. She enjoyed reading the Bible, writing, and completing crossword puzzles, and she was an avid admirer of TV soap operas.

Her beloved children and relatives will always cherish her precious and loving memory:She is survived by daughters: Fannie Mae Edwards, Johnnie Mae Brown-Thurman, and Mary Delories Polk, all of St. Louis, MO, and sons: Lou James Irvin, Sr. (Jackie) Memphis, TN, Levi Irvin and David Irvin, St. Louis, MO. One brother, Mark Meeks (Ethel) St. Louis, MO, and one sister, Earline Williams, IL. Grandchildren: Dr. Nelver Jean Brooks, St. Louis, MO, Reverend Kimberlynn Alexander, Memphis, TN, Donna T. Washington (Angelo) and Tanya S. Brown, St. Louis, MO, Audrey Mack (William), Atlanta, GA, Amber Polk, Alexis Irvin, Donovan and Paul Jumper, St. Louis, MO, and James Irvin Jr., Dallas, TX., twenty-five great and great-great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Alma Cook Meeks, a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends: Josephine Kibby, Diane Parnell, Mary Bartlett, and Eddie Lee Jr.

One grandson, Ronald Reynolds, nine brothers, Monroe Meeks, Emmanuel Meeks, Wiley Meeks, Jr., Roscoe Meeks, Rufus Meeks, Stanford Meeks, Wilson Meeks, Herman Meeks, Vernon Meeks, and four sisters, Nelia Elbert, Essie Lee Furdge, Dorothy Davis, and Pearl Sallis, preceded her in death.