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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hi Virginia Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of our colleague and friend Gerald Meredith.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gerald was an active member of our Richmond Chapter, leader of our blind veterans activities at numerous state conventions, former president of our Virginia Association of Blind Students, and a participant in our Virginia Fellows leadership development program. Recently, Gerald oversaw our work in the Deerfield Correctional Facility running quarterly extension meetings of our At Large Chapter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gerald was also a dear friend to many of us and someone who raised expectations for himself and all around him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Below, Domonique lawless shares the obituary and celebration of life event details.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our hearts go out to Alesia and the entire family.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He will be sorely missed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Tracy Soforenko<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>202 285-4595<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><a href="mailto:Tracy.soforenko@gmail.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Tracy.soforenko@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><a href="http://www.nfb.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfb.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><a href="http://www.nfbv.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbv.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation\u2019s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFBV-Richmond-Announce <nfbv-richmond-announce-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Domonique Lawless via NFBV-Richmond-Announce<br><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:12 PM<br><b>To:</b> nfbv-richmond-announce@nfbnet.org<br><b>Subject:</b> [NFBV-Richmond-Announce] Celebration of life and obituary for Gerald Meradith<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Richmond Chapter family,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-caps: normal;font-width: normal;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto;font-variant-alternates: normal;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-numeric: normal;font-variant-east-asian: normal;font-variant-position: normal;font-feature-settings: normal;font-optical-sizing: auto;font-variation-settings: normal;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>As many of you know, our friend and fellow Federationist, Gerald Meradith, passed away on July 5th. Gerald was a dedicated member of our chapter, as well as the Richmond Chapter of the Blinded Veterans Association. Who was passionate about advocacy in the blindness and veteran communities, and worked to show blind veterans what was possible with access to blindness skills training and advocacy.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-caps: normal;font-width: normal;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto;font-variant-alternates: normal;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-numeric: normal;font-variant-east-asian: normal;font-variant-position: normal;font-feature-settings: normal;font-optical-sizing: auto;font-variation-settings: normal;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I wanted to share Gerald\u2019s obituary and funeral arrangements with you. I hope that many from our chapter will be able to attend as we come together to celebrate Gerald\u2019s life, honor his contributions, and support his family during this difficult time.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-caps: normal;font-width: normal;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto;font-variant-alternates: normal;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-numeric: normal;font-variant-east-asian: normal;font-variant-position: normal;font-feature-settings: normal;font-optical-sizing: auto;font-variation-settings: normal;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please find his obituary, service information, and additional details below. You may also view the obituary online using the link provided.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-caps: normal;font-width: normal;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto;font-variant-alternates: normal;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-numeric: normal;font-variant-east-asian: normal;font-variant-position: normal;font-feature-settings: normal;font-optical-sizing: auto;font-variation-settings: normal;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=obituary-text style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;overflow-wrap: break-word;overflow:hidden'><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#585858'>Obituary: Celebrating the Life of Gerald Meredith Jr.<br>July 5, 1967 \u2013 July 2, 2026<br><br>It is with profound sadness, yet with deep gratitude for a life magnificently lived, that we announce the transition of Gerald Meredith Jr., who passed away on July 2, 2026, just three days shy of his 59th birthday. A resident of Ettrick, Virginia, Gerald was a devoted family man, a proud veteran, a passionate scholar, and a tireless advocate for others. In his final act of profound generosity, Gerald gave the gift of life to others through organ donation, sharing his heart, liver, and kidneys.<br><br>A Life of Service and Honor<br>Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 5, 1967, Gerald carried a spirit of resilience and leadership throughout his life. He honorably served his country as a veteran of the United States Army.<br>Following his military service, Gerald dedicated years of his professional life to public safety, working at the Sussex I State Prison until his retirement due to his loss of vision. Gerald was diagnosed with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic disorder that causes a loss of central vision. Rather than allowing this diagnosis to limit him, it became the catalyst for a powerful second chapter of leadership and advocacy.<br><br>Gerald's life was defined by his unwavering commitment to community empowerment. He served with distinction as the President of the Blinded Veterans Association Richmond Chapter and was a dedicated member of both the American Legion and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Driven by a deep sense of justice and compassion, he served as the NFB advocate and liaison for incarcerated members at the Deerfield Correctional Center, ensuring that those often forgotten still had a powerful voice.<br>His leadership and expertise were recognized at the highest levels; he was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind and Vision Impaired. A proud alumnus, Gerald was also an active member of the Chesterfield Chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association, and at the time of his passing, he was passionately pursuing his PhD in Criminal Justice.<br><br>Family and Legacy<br>While his public achievements were vast, Gerald\u2019s greatest joy was his family, leaving behind a rich legacy of love and devotion.<br>Gerald\u2019s memory will be forever cherished by his beloved wife of nearly 35 years, Alesia Meredith; his daughter, Mystique Meredith, and his son, Marques Meredith. He is also survived by his devoted mother, Veronne Turner; his sister, Quentelle Jones (Marlon); his brothers, Quentin Meredith and Anthony Turner; his mother-in-law, Clara Farrar; and his sister-in-law, Simone Farrar. His vibrant spirit lives on through a generation of joy, including 7 nieces, 2 nephews, 3 great-nieces, and 4 great-nephews, as well as a host of extended family, colleagues, and friends. Gerald was preceded in death by his brother, Lance Meredith, and his nephew, Ste'fan Johnson.<br>Service Information<br>Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Gerald's incredible life and legacy.<br>\u2022 What: Homegoing Celebration for Gerald Meredith, Jr.<br>\u2022 When: Sunday, July 12, 2026<br>\u2022 Time: 4:00 PM<br>\u2022 Where: American Legion, Varina Post 233<br>8088 Recreation Rd<br>Henrico, VA 23231<br>A repast will immediately follow the ceremony at the same location.<br><br>Memorial Donations<br>In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Gerald's honor to the organizations closest to his heart. Please direct contributions to:<br>National Federation of the Blind: nfb.org<br>American Legion Varina Post 233<br>"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."<br>Gerald\u2019s legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched, the systems he changed for the better, and the individuals who live on today because of his final, heroic gifts.<br><br>Professional Services Entrusted To:<br>March Funeral Home<br>Richmond, Virginia<br>Streaming information to follow</span><span style='color:#585858'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-caps: normal;font-width: normal;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto;font-variant-alternates: normal;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-numeric: normal;font-variant-east-asian: normal;font-variant-position: normal;font-feature-settings: normal;font-optical-sizing: auto;font-variation-settings: normal;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=300 style='width:225.0pt;background:#7B4519;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><img border=0 width=300 height=157 style='width:3.125in;height:1.6333in' id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:19762118-4111-44F9-9385-6CD5546BD160"></span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=300 style='width:225.0pt;background:#7B4519;-apple-color-filter: initial'><tr><td style='padding:6.0pt 0in 6.0pt 0in;-apple-color-filter: initial'><div style='margin-left:12.0pt;margin-right:12.0pt;max-width:100%;overflow:hidden'><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><a href="https://www.marchfh.com/m/obituaries/gerald-meredith/Memories"><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:white;text-decoration:none'>Gerald Meredith Jr. - View Obituary & Service Information</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><a href="https://www.marchfh.com/m/obituaries/gerald-meredith/Memories"><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:white;text-decoration:none'>marchfh.com</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-caps: normal;font-width: normal;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto;font-variant-alternates: normal;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-numeric: normal;font-variant-east-asian: normal;font-variant-position: normal;font-feature-settings: normal;font-optical-sizing: auto;font-variation-settings: normal;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please continue to keep Gerald\u2019s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. He will be greatly missed, but his impact on our chapter and community will not be forgotten.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-caps: normal;font-width: normal;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto;font-variant-alternates: normal;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-numeric: normal;font-variant-east-asian: normal;font-variant-position: normal;font-feature-settings: normal;font-optical-sizing: auto;font-variation-settings: normal;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Sincerely,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-caps: normal;font-width: normal;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto;font-variant-alternates: normal;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-numeric: normal;font-variant-east-asian: normal;font-variant-position: normal;font-feature-settings: normal;font-optical-sizing: auto;font-variation-settings: normal;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='font-size:19.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Domonique</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><br><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>