Nellie Kennon Meadows

STANTON - Nellie Kennon Meadows of Clay City, KY, passed away at Clark Regional Medical Center on Nov. 27, 2006. She was 91 years old. She was a member of the Clay City United Methodist Church and a lifelong resident of Powell County. Nellie attended Fugazzi Business School and became the first woman to work in Powell County Bank (the Clay City National Bank from 1936-1942). She married businessman Roscoe Meadows in 1940 and assisted him in his various types of business. Nellie was appointed by Governor Happy Chandler to serve on Powell County's Social Services Advisory Board. In the late 1930's-40's she was a member of the Clay City Order of Eastern Star. In 1966, she received a Community Service Award from the Regional Tourist Committee at Natural Bridge. Nellie was a member of the Powell County Library Board and in 1971, received an award from the Kentucky Public Libraries for "Sharing Her Talents with State Libraries." She was a board member of the Powell County Board of Health, a charter member of the Red River Historical Society and Museum, a charter member of the Powell County Art Club, and a lifetime member of the Garden Club of Kentucky. In 1978, she received the award of Distinguished Service by the Kentucky Young Democrats. In 1981, she received the "Women of the Year" awarded by the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club. She served as a Board of Director for Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan Bank, In 1990, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award by the Powell County High School Alumni Association. She was a lifetime member of the NaturalBridge/ Powell County Chamber of Commerce and was selected Citizen of the Year in 1993 by the Chamber. She was accepted as a lifetime member of the National Registry of Who's Who in 1999. Among all of her achievements, Nellie was known as an artist. She was one of the seven Kentucky Heritage Artist, and her most treasured accomplishment came about in 1974 when her painting "Kentucky the Great State" was chosen as the official Bicentennial painting for the state of Kentucky. 5,000 prints were made available by the state and all sold out. In 1980, the National Kidney Foundation chose Nellie to paint Christmas cards and prints to help raise funds for the Foundation. She continued to paint for the Central Kentucky Kidney Foundation for 14 years, producing thousands of cards and prints. In 2004, she was honored at Powell County High School's Graduation Program where she won the P.A.C.E. (People Achieving Community Enhancement) Award. She has won numerous awards and plaques for her good deeds, has been the Grand Marshall of four Powell County parades, and, more importantly, is known as one of the kindest and most loved members of her community. She has always shown love and respect for everyone and will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. She is the widow Roscoe Meadows and is survived by one son, Larry G. Meadows of Clay City; three grandchildren, Shawna Meadows of Clay City, Leif Meadows of London, KY, and Cody Meadows of Clay City; and three great-grandchildren, Brennon Meadows of Clay City, Hannah Meadows of Clay City, and Green Meadows of London, KY., Active pallbearers will be Kevin Babcock, Jared Kennon, Shane Kennon, Opie Meadows, Chad Rice, and Kenny Rice. Honorary pallbearers will be Daryl Abner, James "Butch" Bloom, Danny Combs, J.C.Combs, Dr. Fred E. Coy Jr., Paul Day, Clifford Dispernette, David Doctrow, Ray Duff, Sammy Faulkner, Dr. David Gagnon, John Kennon , Rondle Lee, Dr. Charles Mabry, Mark McClellen, Clifford Meadows, Forest Meadows, Roger Potts, Wallace Reed, and Dudley Taylor. Visitation will be from 5-9p.m., Wed, Nov. 29 through Fri, Dec. 1 at the Clay City Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist Church on Sat, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Kennon Cemetery on Hardwicks Creek, approximately five miles from Clay City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red River Historical Society and Museum and to the Clay City United Methodist Church. Wells Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.