<div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Obituary:
Celebrating the Life of Gerald Meredith Jr.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">July 5,
1967 \u2013 July 2, 2026</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">A Life of
Service and Honor</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Family and
Legacy</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">While his
public achievements were vast, Gerald\u2019s greatest joy was his family, leaving
behind a rich legacy of love and devotion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Service
Information</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Family and
friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Gerald's incredible life
and legacy.</span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">What: Homegoing Celebration
for Gerald Meredith, Jr.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">When: Sunday, July 12, 2026</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Time: 4:00 PM</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Where: American Legion, Varina
Post 233</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">8088
Recreation Rd</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Henrico,
VA 23231</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><i><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">A
repast will immediately follow the ceremony at the same location.</span></i><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Memorial
Donations</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">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:</span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">National Federation of the
Blind: <a href="https://nfb.org/" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">nfb.org</a></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Blinded Veterans Association
(Richmond, VA Chapter): Donor Hotline: (800) 669-7079</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><i><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">"To
live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."</span></i><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Professional
Services Entrusted To:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">March
Funeral Home</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Richmond,
Virginia</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"> </p></div><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><font color="#9900ff" face="garamond, serif" size="4">Alesia F. Meredith, MBA, Notary, ITILv4</font></div><div><font color="#9900ff" face="Garamond" size="4"><a href="mailto:afmeredith15@gmail.com" target="_blank">afmeredith15@gmail.com</a></font></div><div><span style="color:rgb(153,0,255);font-family:Garamond"><font size="4">804-536-9296 (C)</font></span></div></div></div></div><br></div><br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Thu, Jul 2, 2026 at 10:37\u202fPM Domonique Lawless via NFBV-Richmond-Announce <<a href="mailto:nfbv-richmond-announce@nfbnet.org">nfbv-richmond-announce@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"><p style="margin:0px 0px 12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size:20px;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";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-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-kerning:none">Dear Richmond Chapter Family,</span></p>
<p style="margin:0px 0px 12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size:20px;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";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-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-kerning:none">It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and fellow Federationist, Gerald Meradith.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0px 0px 12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size:20px;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";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-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-kerning:none">Gerald had recentky been experiencing significant health challenges and was receiving care in the ICU at a local Richmond hospital. While we had prayed for his recovery, we are heartbroken by his passing.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0px 0px 12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size:20px;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";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-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-kerning:none">Gerald was an integral part of the Richmond Chapter, always willing to lend a hand in planning events and supporting our mission. Beyond our chapter, he was deeply involved in the blinded veteran community, where he dedicated himself to helping veterans discover that there is life, hope, and endless possibility after vision loss. His compassion, encouragement, and commitment touched the lives of countless people.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0px 0px 12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size:20px;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";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-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-kerning:none">More than his many contributions, Gerald was our brother in the Federation and a cherished friend to many. His kindness, generosity, and steady presence will be deeply missed.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0px 0px 12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size:20px;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";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-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-kerning:none">Please keep Gerald\u2019s wife, Alesia, their two adult children, and all who loved him in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0px 0px 12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size:20px;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";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-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-kerning:none">We will share funeral and memorial service information as soon as it becomes available.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0px 0px 12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size:20px;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";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-feature-settings:normal"><span style="font-kerning:none">With sympathy,</span></p>
<p style="margin:0px 0px 12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-size:20px;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";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-feature-settings:normal">Domonique</p><div><span style="font-kerning:none"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr"></div></div></div>_______________________________________________<br>
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</blockquote></div>