Martha Jean "Jean" Meyer's Obituary
MEYER, Martha Jean “Jean,” age 89, of Bellbrook, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Miami Valley Hospital. Born on February 2, 1937, in Dayton, Jean lived a life centered around her relationship with Jesus, her Lord and Savior; her family; ministry; and creativity.
Jean graduated from Waynesville High School, class of 1955. She was a devoted member of Bellbrook Community Church for more than 50 years, where she founded and lovingly served through the church’s Young at Heart senior ministry for 27 years. Jean especially enjoyed organizing the group’s famous Mystery Trips, where they would board the vans, never knowing where the day would lead. These adventures brought laughter, friendship, and excitement to so many through the years. She also volunteered in nursing home ministry, sang in the choir, and was known for her servant’s heart, kindness, and dedication to helping others.
A gifted and talented woodworker, Jean was known for creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces with remarkable detail and care. She especially enjoyed making meaningful keepsakes for family and friends. Her wood shop was one of her favorite places, and she could often be found there working on a project regardless of the season. Jean had a tremendous passion for bicycling, something that became a major part of her family’s life for years. Many family and friends’ vacations centered around biking and camping trips, especially through GOBA (Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure). She also took bicycling trips through many other states. She enjoyed going to Lakeside on Lake Erie yearly with family and riding bikes through the town, visiting the ice cream shop, playing shuffleboard, and relaxing together. Jean completed several 100-mile bike rides in support of Dayton Gospel Mission, fulfilling her goal of completing a 100-mile ride at the age of 80.
Jean was also an accomplished athlete. In her younger years, she and Bill participated in a bowling league and a coed softball league. Jean played on the Ohio Cardinals’ senior softball team, representing the state of Ohio in competitions across the country. She earned two gold medals while playing on the Senior Olympics softball team, snagging a line drive ball for the winning out in 2001.
Jean especially cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and cherished friends. She was joyful, loving, grateful, energetic, artistic, and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus with all her heart. She raised her children to do the same. She will be missed by all of those who knew her and loved her.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Meyer, in 2007; her parents, David and Beatrice Ruth Snead; granddaughter, Hope; and great-granddaughter, Winter. She is survived by her six children, Jo Ann (Ron) Cornelison, Nellie Meyer, Randy (Stephanie) Carter, Melinda (Kevin) Kelly, Carrie (Paul) Smiley, and David (Missy) Meyer; 24 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Warren (Susan) Snead; sisters, Joyce Lowry, Debbie Snead (Bob) Ratliff, and Kimberly (Kip) Zech; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Bellbrook Community Church, 3815 Franklin St, Bellbrook, OH 45305. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the church with Pastor Willie Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Miami Valley Memory Gardens. In honor of Jean’s many years of faithful service, dedication, and love for Bellbrook Community Church and its ministries, memorial contributions can be made to Bellbrook Community Church. Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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