John Park Meek

John Park Meek from Swan Lake, MS, a remarkable watercolor artist and a man of many talents, passed away on July 1, 2023, at the age of 63. Born September 15, 1959, to Ernest Carlysle Meek, Jr. and Sara Bess King Meek in Clarksdale, MS, John's passion for artistic expression shone brightly throughout his life.

John began his education in the Cleveland Public Schools and at Bayou Academy, finishing high school at The Principia School in St. Louis, MO, before pursuing higher education at Delta State University. Following college, John dedicated himself to working on the family farm, embracing the beauty of nature that he would later capture in his artwork.

Renowned for his exceptional watercolor paintings and captivating designs, John's talent was truly extraordinary. He had an eye for transforming everyday objects into stunning sculptures and lamps. He loved cooking, gardening, crappie fishing, collecting Native American artifacts, and cultivating oyster mushrooms. John also enjoyed crafting exquisite Adirondack cypress chairs and tables and making music with his friends. He approached everything with a unique sense of wonder and an appreciation for the world around him.

But beyond his incredible talent as an artist and craftsman, John was beloved as a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and stepfather—a man whose heart overflowed with love and kindness.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Carlysle Meek, Jr. and Sara Bess Meek, along with his grandparents, Ernest Carlysle Meek, Sr., Lucille Park Meek, Joseph Jasper King, and Sallie Robinson King.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Peggy Prowell Meek of Swan Lake, MS; son Charles Sessions Meek (Blake) of Memphis, TN; step daughter Jessica Smith (Dewey)of Rena Lara, MS, brother Carlysle Meek (Terry) of Merigold, MS; sister Sallie Robinson Meek of Merigold, MS; and his aunt, Jean Meek Weatherly of Bullard, TX. In addition, he will be deeply missed by his three grandchildren: Allison Moore, Madison Moore, and Ethan Moore, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who also held a special place in his heart.

Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation for John on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS. This will be followed by a graveside funeral service at 11:00 a.m. in the North Cleveland Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Richard Muns with Gary and Carol Vincent performing heartfelt vocal renditions in honor of John's memory.

John’s nephews, Owen Thomas Dicks and Wesley Robinson Dicks, along with cousins Abe Draper and Park Hiter and dear friends Stephen Flautt, Bob Milam, David Green, and Gerald DeLoach have been chosen as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Merigold Methodist Church.