Gail Smith Meek

Gail Smith Meek passed away unexpectedly on June 29, 2025, in Opelika, Alabama. Her sudden passing left a profound void in the hearts of those who loved her.

Gail’s life was marked by remarkable purpose, unwavering conviction, and fierce devotion to her family, work, faith, and the causes and people she championed.

A proud Auburn University alumna, Gail earned her law degree and dedicated much of her career to public service. A passionate advocate for abused women and children, she served as Chief Assistant District Attorney in Lee County, working in the courts for 27 years before retiring. She balanced this with a private practice in family law and mediation, while also serving as Opelika Municipal Court Judge.

If ever there were a "Steel Magnolia", that was Gail. Her compassion for the downtrodden was matched by her love for animals. Her strong character and opinions shone through, sometimes misunderstood by others, but she was authentic—a wise, steadfast woman who stood her ground, even when it hurt.

Gail found joy in creating beauty through art, thrift shopping for unique treasures, and tending her vibrant garden of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, which she spent her final day doing before God called her home.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Howard Eugene Smith and Sarah Wilma Hall, and her brother, Randall Eugene Smith, of Opelika.

She is survived by her husband, Edward Meek of Opelika; daughters Ashley Chen (Tiffany) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Katie Morrison (Michael) of Selma, North Carolina; sons Randall Meek and Gregory Meek of Ringgold, Georgia; grandchildren Olivia, Ellie, and Fox; and her beloved dogs, Addie and Daisy. She is also survived by her sisters, who knew and loved her fiercely: Cherie Hall (Ray) of Opelika and Mona Scott of Sheppard, Michigan, along with cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who will miss her garden updates, ever-changing hair color and style, candid wisdom, and unmatched ability to speak truth plainly.

A celebration of Gail’s life will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Earl Ballard of Trinity Church. Graveside services will follow in Langdale Cemetery, Langdale, Alabama.

Flowers or donations to New Hope Rescue in Opelika are welcomed but not expected. Please go to nhrescue.com for information on how to donate.