Kay Meriwether

Donna Kay Meriwether, 80, of Carmi, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at West River Health Campus in Evansville, Indiana.  She was born in West Frankfort, IL on December 10, 1940, the daughter of Donald and Hazel (Treece) Downen.  She married Reverend Harold R. Meriwether on October 29, 1960, and he preceded her in death on August 8, 2015. Kay and her husband Harold owned and operated Harold's Dollar Store in Carmi, Illinois for over 30 years. She was a member of Olive Congregational Christian Church, where Harold preached and she led the music ministry for 39 years.  One of the highlights of her life was touring with a choir from California and singing in Scotland, Wales and England.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Susan (Gary) Keck of Carmi, IL.; her grandson, Larrin (Hannah) Keck of Carmi, IL.; one brother, Dr. Charles Frederick (June) Downen of Merritt Island, FL and his children, Shannon (Ross) Cook and Stephen Downen; a brother-in-law, Jim (Verla) Meriwether of Fairfield, IL; along with several other nieces and nephews on the Meriwether side of the family. She is also survived by her "Main Street" friends, Judy and Kenny Lamp and their children, Kimberly (Ben) Early and children, Drew and Emma and Holly (Aaron) Davis and children Katelyn and Kenley.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Reverend Harold R. Meriwether; her son, Bruce Meriwether and a brother, Donald David Downen, Jr.

Funeral services for Donna Kay Meriwether will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2021, at First United Methodist Church,100 S. Church St., Carmi.  Burial will be in Stokes Chapel Cemetery near Crossville.  Friends and family may visit on Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St, Carmi and from 1:00 p.m. until service time, Sunday at the church. Memorial contributions can be made in Kay's memory to Maunie United Methodist Church, 1636 Sunset Dr., Carmi, IL 62821 or First United Methodist Church, 100 S. Church St., Carmi, IL 62821  and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821 who is in charge of arrangements.