Reba Alderson Meador

Reba Alderson Meador, age 95, a longtime resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away peacefully. She was born on September 5, 1930, in the Santa Fe/ Water Valley community of Maury County to the late Basil Ewing Alderson and the late Clara Lee Wrenn Alderson.

Mrs. Meador was united in marriage to her husband, Harold Glenn Meador, on April 21, 1950, sharing 76 years together and building a life centered on faith, family, and community. Their home in Columbia was a place of warmth and welcome to all who knew them.

She is survived by her loving husband, Harold Glenn Meador; her sister, Frances (Earl) Moore; her son, Nicholas (Mary Elizabeth Wise) Meador; and her daughter, Betsy (Mac) Orr. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin David Meador (Gretchen), Gilbert Meador Orr (Sarah), and Basil MacWilliams Orr (Tess); and her beloved great-granddaughters, Emma Lins Meador, Zoe Elizabeth Meador, and Mila Jeane Meador.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Bonnie Lee Meador, and her granddaughter, Elizabeth Claire Meador.

A graduate of Santa Fe High School, Reba continued her education at Martin Methodist College and Middle Tennessee State University. She began her working career at The Daily Herald and later devoted herself to her family as a homemaker. She also served her community as a substitute teacher in the Columbia School System for several years.

Reba was proud to be recognized as a “First Family of Tennessee” descendant. She was a lifelong and faithful member of Riverside United Methodist Church and an active member of the Thursday Literary Club, where she formed many lasting friendships.

She will be remembered for her deep love of family and her kind and generous spirit. She held a special place in her heart for her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends, considering each one a blessing in her life. She shared a particularly close bond with her niece, Janice Logue. Her family and friends will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to her devoted caregivers, Derric Porter, Linda Perry, and Shelia Roper, for their compassionate care and support.

Graveside services will be conducted by Reverend David Spencer Friday, May 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends at the cemetery following the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church of your choice or to a charity of one’s choice.