Claudia Edwards Meeks, of Webster Groves, MO, passed away on May 17, 2026 surrounded by her children in St Louis, MO at the age of 82. She was born in Alabama on August 19, 1943 to Lillie and Owen Edwards. She graduated from Union Hill School and then attended business school.

Claudia met her husband, Sonny, on a blind date in 1970. They immediately had an undeniable spark and proceeded to see each other almost every day for about five months. They were married on November 25 at First Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL.

In 1976, Sonny and Claudia purchased the Tastee-Freez fast food restaurant in the heart of Destin, Florida. They worked hard together for 10 years creating a memorable place for locals and sandy, sunburned vacationers, to eat. Claudia primarily supervised taking orders, preparing ice-cream and creating relationships with the regulars, while Sonny ran the busy kitchen. Claudia also had a talent for managing the finances and employees.

Claudia then used her skills in finance at First Federal Bank in Destin and then Altus Bank in Huntsville, AL. Life then led her to work at Dental Care in Huntsville in 1990. She worked there with her daughter, Michelle, at the front desk until she eventually moved back to Destin.

The rest of her work career was spent in dentistry – Dr. Galloway in Fort Walton Beach, Dr. Thomas Holland and Dean Dental in Huntsville, AL. Because of her desire to continuously challenge herself, she was an expert with dental insurance and coordinating everything with the front office. She could assist the dentist at chairside as needed as well. She took care of every patient like they were family and she worked hard for the business as if it were her own.

Claudia was a classy Southern woman who always wanted to look and be her best. She had high standards for herself and was constantly curious. If she ever made her mind up to do something, she would figure out a way to make it happen. She loved working in the yard and having a lawn that made the neighborhood more beautiful. Not only could she make a beautiful home, but could also work on cars, small appliances and more with her husband, Sonny. Cooking was a passion for Claudia and she loved sharing good food with others. She preferred being at home with family, but strangers and acquaintances felt very comfortable with her and would talk to her about very personal issues. People trusted her and they could tell she wanted what was best for everyone. She was very empathetic to all creatures. “Bless it’s little heart” was one of her favorite sayings.

Claudia was as funny, smart and quick-witted as ever and she desired nothing more than to be busy, but her body was exhausted. We have no doubt that when she passed she was met with open arms from her husband, Sonny, and her beloved sisters, Reba, Dee, Ruth, Belinda and Shirley. I know that her parents were there as well to make her feel safe and loved.

She will be dearly missed by her children Alan Meeks (Josh), Brad Meeks (Lindsey) and Michelle Mayo (Jeff) and her sisters, Sarah Voss and Martha Allen, as well as many nieces and nephews. We are all lost by not having her a phone call away. Her grandchildren, Connor, Ava, Luke, and Liam knew her as Bella. Bella adored them and knew she loved them unconditionally. We are all better for having her in our lives.

No services have been planned, in accordance with her wishes as she disliked being the center of attention, but you may make a donation in her honor to the charity of your choice.