Elizabeth Meyer

Elizabeth Lynn Power Meyer died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, after a six year battle with breast cancer. Her most famous day was New Years, 1948, when she was the first baby born in Birmingham, Ala. She married March 22, 1969 in Pensacola, Fla. Lynn was a dedicated teacher, teaching pre-school at St. Lukes UMC and then New Hope Presbyterian. She taught Special Ed and fourth grade at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary for 16 years. She was an ESOL teacher for two years at East Side Elementary and two more years at Bess T. She retired due to cancer. She attended Auburn University, University of West Florida and graduated from LSU. She earned a MEd in Special Education from UTC. She taught SS and VBS at Presbyterian and Methodist churches and was youth group leader with her husband at two churches. She was a member and deacon at New Hope Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at LSU, Hamilton County Education Association, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (teachers sorority) and the Retired Teachers group of Bess T. Shepherd. Lynn helped initiate two residents protest movements, started the NHPC preschool, worked on building the labyrinth and renovating the playground at New Hope. She was an innovative teacher, developing effective ways to teach and discipline her students. She and other teachers bought clothes and toys for students at Christmas, soliciting money for their efforts. Lynn loved yard work, raising flowers and shrubs and creating a beautiful refuge. She crocheted hats, blankets, etc. for her grandchildren and others, was an excellent cook, decorator and, early on, painter. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Gartland and Pauline Lucile Berry Power; her brother, Edward G. Power Jr.; and niece, Kim Power. She is survived by her sister, Ellen Power Smith Nordyke; husband, Dr. Roger A. Meyer; son Matthew Meyer; and daughter Erin Meyer; as well as grandson Evan Meyer; and granddaughters, Hannah Meyer and Lily Meyer Hausman. She has many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She expressed thanks to the physicians and staff at Tennessee Oncology in Chattanooga and Nashville, Memorial Hospital, Hospice of Chattanooga and Standifer Place Nursing Home. She also talked about the many family members, friends, teachers, church members, fellow cancer patients and parents of her students, who supported her in her battle with breast cancer. A memorial service will be held on Feb. 16, 2014, details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Societys Hope Lodge in Nashville, the Mary Ellen Locher Breast Cancer Center, Hospice of Chattanooga or to a fund in her name at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga.