Birdie E. (Etheridge) Meeks Abney, age 94, passed away on November 3, 2025, at Heart of Georgia Nursing and Rehabilitation in Eastman, Georgia. A private graveside funeral service for family and close friends will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. in Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Lane Collins officiating.

Born in Dodge County, Georgia, Birdie was the daughter of the late John Thomas Etheridge and Willie Way (Black) Etheridge. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Herman Lee Meeks; her son, Johnny Thomas Meeks; and her second husband, Thomas Abney. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Rosa Etheridge, Alfred (Letti) Etheridge, Clara (Virgil) Kitchens, and Norman (Maria) Etheridge; her brother-in-law Freeman Williams; and her stepchildren, Carl Abney, Monty Abney, Frank Abney, and J.T. Abney.

Birdie dedicated many years of her working life to the L & H Shirt Factory. After its closing, she worked briefly in other places but always remained devoted to her family and friends. Her deep love for children brought her strength during difficult times. She often said that without the presence of children in her life, she wouldn't have known how to endure those challenges.

She found joy in gardening both flowers and vegetables and took pride in sewing clothes for the youngest members of the family. Although she claimed not to care much for cooking itself, she loved feeding others and especially enjoyed baking cakes for birthdays as a heartfelt expression of love.

Birdie is survived by her children Lewis Meeks and Carol (Jim) Istre; daughter-in-law Emily Johnstone; step-daughters-in-law Ruby Abney and Janice Abney; grandchildren Art (Leean) Fordham, Jody Fordham, Brandy (Mark) Felty, Troy (Allison) Meeks, John (Kimberly) Meeks, and Lisa Lewis; great-grandchildren Anjalee Sumrall, Nick Felty, Morgan Felty, Tyler Meeks, Tanner Meeks, Gracie Meeks, Madison Meeks, and Savannah Fordham; great-great-granddaughter Cheyenne Sumrall; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren who held a special place in her heart; sisters Minnie Lou Williams and Dora (John) Weber; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Heart of Georgia Nursing and Rehabilitation and Hospice Care Options for their compassionate care during her toughest times...we are forever grateful for the love you have shown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ronald McDonald House at 1160 Forsyth St., Macon, GA 31201.

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." – Romans 14:8