Virginia Joann Opatrny Meece

Virginia Joann Opatrny Meece, 88, retired supervisor of Maury County Board of Education School Nutrition and resident of Devon Drive, died Friday, January 13, 2017, at The Bridge at Life Care Center of Columbia. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joe Evans officiating. Inurnment will be in the First Presbyterian Church Columbarium. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. at the church. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. The family suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church, 801 South High Street, Columbia, TN 38401 or Maury County Public Library, 211 West Eighth Street, Columbia, TN 38401. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born December 14, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Frank John Opatrny and the late Julia Foukal Opatrny. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio; and acquired her Master's degree in Education from Middle Tennessee State University. She was an avid bridge player, extraordinary pianist, and enjoyed the fine arts. Ms. Meece had served on various Board of Directors, including the YMCA; was Past President of Tennessee School Food Service Association; and volunteered at the Maury County Library Bookstore. She was a former member of APTA, James K. Polk Association, Maury County Arts Guild, and Student's Club. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she had formerly served as Elder and participated in the Hand Bell Choir. Survivors include her son, Brian Ralph (Rahni) Meece of Columbia; daughter, Leslie Meece (Everette) Jobe of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Matthew Ryan Cash, Sarah Lindsey (John Thomas) Reiman, Corey Neil Cash, Judith Nichole (John) Bradley, Margret Ryan (Mitchell) Cedillo, Donald Camden Gutowski; great grandchildren, Shelby Luna, Jadyn Luna, Gracie Luna, Niccolas Cedillo, Justin Cedillo, Elizabeth Victoria Bradley; nieces, Gay Opatrny, Carol Opatrny, Susan Opatrny Althans; and nephews, Frank J. Opatrny, Jr., Stephen D. Opatrny, Donald C. Opatrny, Jr., Robert B. Opatrny, David J. Opatrny. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank Opatrny and Donald Opatrny.