Gretta "Miriam" Eakin

Gretta “Meriam” Elder Eakin was born March 30, 1934 to Gretta Treadwell Elder and Frank Elder, Jr. and passed away on September 4, 2023.  She attended Kilgore schools and graduated high school in 1952.  She attended Baylor University and the University of Louisville graduating with her degree in Elementary Education from Baylor cum laude in 1956.

Meriam’s teaching career began in Jefferson County, Kentucky and spanned 26 years ending in Tyler, Texas where she spent her last 8 years as librarian at Douglas Elementary School, she was, also, chosen Teacher of the Year while serving there.  Before becoming a librarian, Meriam received her Masters Degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.  She put her career on hold from 1957 to 1967 while she spent time at home with her children.

Miriam was a member of Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler for many years where she was active in the Pairs and Parents Sunday School Class.  She celebrated 50 years as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2010.  She was also a member of Colonial Dames of the XVII Century, Theta Nu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teacher’s organization and Texas Retired Teachers Association.  She has lived in Tyler since 1989.

Meriam is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Joe C. Eakin, III and her sister, Minette Elder.  Meriam is survived by her children, Gretta Eakin Sharp and husband, Herbert, Joseph Eakin and Sharon Walhood; her grandchildren, Gretta Marie Sharp and husband, Kevin, Jace Eakin, MacKenzie Eakin, and Nikki Stark and husband, Jeff; and great-grandchildren, Gretta Estelle “Stella” Sharp, Sterling Sharp, Mark Stark, Emilee McMillian, Clara Grace Stark, and Creede Stark. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Elder, III and wife Lee, a niece Carey Elder Kelley, and a nephew, Bo Elder and wife, Laura as well as several close cousins on both sides of the family.

Memorial services will be at Marvin United Methodist Church chapel in Tyler, Texas on November 11, 2023 at 10 am.