Della E. (Spencer) Meekins

Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to one of the following organizations: The United Methodist Foundation of Pennsylvania, “The Charlene E Meekins Scholarship Fund,” 2605 Nicholson Rd. Suite 2104, Sewickley, PA 15143, and/or MASM UMC Calvary-First Campus 1406 Cornell St., McKeesport, PA 15132.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Della Elizabeth Spencer Meekins

April 14, 1929 – May 12, 2026

McKeesport, PA — Della Elizabeth Spencer Meekins, a trailblazing educator, devoted matriarch, accomplished musician, and compassionate servant of God, peacefully entered into eternal rest on May 12, 2026, at the age of 97. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with faith, resilience, dedication to family, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting children and the community.

A Foundation of Resilience and Higher Learning

Born on April 14, 1929, in Ijamsville, Maryland, Della was the beloved daughter of the late William H. Spencer and Catherine E. Johnson Spencer. Raised on a rural Maryland farm, she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, family unity, and grit from an early age.

Della’s educational journey was both remarkable and historic. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Frederick, Maryland, which was founded in 1923 during segregation, the county's first and only high school for African American students. Seeking higher education, she attended Storer College in historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, a pioneering Historically Black College (HBCU) that stood as a beacon of possibility for people of color. It was on that historic campus that she took courses in both education and business law; furthermore, she met the love of her life, the late Rev. W.B. Meekins, Sr. The two shared a beautiful 49-year marriage, built on a foundation of education, faith, and community activism.

A Pioneer in Early Childhood Education

Della possessed a profound passion for the growth and development of children. Her quest for knowledge in Pedology (Child Development and Child Care) led her to pursue advanced education through the University of Maryland (Adult Education Center), Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Pittsburgh. Her professional excellence earned her the prestigious Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate, placing her name on the National Registry of Child Care Professionals in Washington, D.C.

For 29 years, Della poured her heart into the classroom as a Head Start Teacher for the Allegheny County Intermediate Unit. By the time she retired on June 13, 1995, she had shaped, inspired, and loved over 950 children, leaving an indelible mark on generations of families within the McKeesport community.

A Life of Healing, Music, and Service

Della’s hands were rarely still; they were always extended in service, healing, or praise. Blessed with a deeply compassionate heart, she studied nursing in high school and naturally became the family’s caregiver. Whether nursing her sister Sarah through tuberculosis or caring for her father after a major accident, she carried a special grace, unique wherewithal, and strength to nurse people back to health. Her ministry of care extended beyond her family, as she maintained a lifelong passion for visiting the sick and shut-in.

In 1963, after residing in Baltimore, Atlanta, and Lewisburg, Della and Rev. Meekins settled in McKeesport, Western Pennsylvania. As a pastor's wife, she embraced her role with grace and vigor. Alongside Sandra Christian, she chaired the memorable Annual Fall Concerts at the former First United Methodist Church of McKeesport. She coordinated the elegant Teas and State Pagents at Homewood-Brushton UMC. An accomplished musician, Della’s early years were filled with the sound of music as she played the piano for her father (Music Director for Ebenezer UMC), her husband, her family, and many church choirs.

Della’s vibrant spirit never faded. She was a global traveler with adventures to Israel, Egypt, and Kenya. Furthermore, over the last 18 months, she traveled across the country to reconnect with those she loved and to explore new adventures.

Her Enduring Legacy

Della was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. W. B. Meekins, Sr.; her daughter, Charlene E.; her son, John M.; seven sisters, Blanche Gordon, Maxine Taylor, Arcine White, Mary Spencer, Alta Prestwood, Charlotte Randolph, and Sarah Louise Spencer Wims; and two brothers, George Spencer and William Spencer.

Her rich legacy lives on through her surviving children, who carry her lessons of love and service:

Wilhemina (Tina) Carter of Pittsburgh, PA, Rev. William B. (Jeanette) of Sewickley, PA, David V. of McKeesport, PA, Byarr W. (Sharon) of Monroeville, PA, Christus F. of McKeesport, PA, Darlene J. (Ervin) of Levittown, PA, Andrew T. (Pergena) of Fairburn, GA, Mark A. (Yvette) of Munhall, PA, Leslie Y. (Joe) of Sterling, VA.

She also leaves behind a magnificent legacy of 28 grandchildren and many great and great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of loving nephews, nieces, extended family, and lifelong friends

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