Meredith Mallette Waldrup was born to the late Lester and Valma Mallette on February 19, 1936, and she changed her address to heaven on April 1, 2017. Others preceding her in death were her husband, Lee Waldrup, her sister, Helen Barry, her brother, Lester "Bub" Mallette, and her infant sons Russell Wayne Hays and Howard Frederick Randolph.
Meredith was known by many and to know her was to love her. Her infectious smile could light up an entire room. She was a full-time working mother trying to raise 5 children. Many years ago she was employed at Martin Bluff Utility later known as Gautier Utility District. After being employed there for more than 20 years she started her new life as a retiree. She devoted the next 10 years being involved with the lives of her great grandchildren.
Approximately 18 years ago, Meredith rededicated her life to Christ. She was a faithful, well known member at Martin Bluff Baptist Church. She was an active, devoted member of WMU where she had many friends. As a part of WMU, she got so much joy out of being involved with Operation Christmas Child. Sadly, Alzheimer's and dementia began to rob her of her memories, but whether she remembered you or not you would still be greeted with a heartwarming smile. Her heart was made of pure gold.
We now have a hole in our hearts, but our grief does not compare to the overwhelming joy we feel knowing she, in her completely healed body, is now face to face with her Savior and her family members that went on before her, and she can finally walk again without dragging her leg. She can talk and greet people with hello and a smile instead of just waving to you.
Meredith is survived by her 5 children: CAPT. Don (Jeanie) Hays, USN (ret), Cathy (Danny) Savage, Dena Randolph, Marlene (Doug) Schrepp, Dale (Marla) Randolph. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren: Jackie (Charlie) Butler, Michelle Ward, Melinda (Robert) Tyson, Danny Savage, Derek Savage, Chera (Gary) Harrington, Jeremy (Brittney) Burns, April (James) Manuel, Trystaun Schrepp,
Mandy (Gabe) Upton, Crystal (Chris) Ashton, Kyle (Nati) Randolph, Tyler (Deborah) Randolph. She is
also survived by her 21 great-grandchildren: Marijean Butler, Luke Ward, Grace Butler, Malachi Ward,
Cameron Ward, Kirsten Derouen, Joseph Derouen, Jake Manuel, Asiyauna Burns, Elijah Manuel, Caiya
Ashton, Conlan Ashton, Scout Upton, Caitlyn (Corey) Hiers, Carly Tyson, Joseph Savage, Christian
Savage, Elijah Savage, Abbigale Savage, Lily Randolph, and Rosie Randolph. She was also blessed to have two great-great-grandchildren: Avery Rock and Lakyn Hiers. She is also survived by her one remaining sister,
Nell Christian and her sister-in-law Alois Mallette. Meredith is survived by a host of other relatives, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to send donations to: Martin Bluff Baptist Church or the Alzheimer's Foundation in memory of Meredith Waldrup.
Services will be held at the Vancleave Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home at 12:00 pm Wednesday, April 5, 2017. There will be a visitation from 10:00 am until the service. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com
"The tide recedes but leaves behind Bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down but the gentle warmth Still lingers on the land. The music stops and yet it echoes on in sweet refrain. For every joy that passes Something beautiful remains."