Meredith Lynn Oakley, 72, Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on July 19, 2023. She was born in Portland, Oregon on June 9, 1951 to the late Thomas and Pauline Oakley.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
11 Comments
I knew Meredith (Mari) Oakley when we were both journalism students at the University of Central Arkansas. So sorry to hear of her death. She was a fine journalist.
Meredith was a talented journalist and has been missed.
A friend since high school, Meri was an enormously bright, witty and engaging soul, gifted in both the written word and public speaking. Most of all, I valued her as my friend. She will be truly missed.
I met Meri in 1969 when she was a senior in high school. I had just moved to Little Rock for a job, and we met through a mutual friend. We remained friends for the next 54 years and often went on trips together. I always stopped and spent a few days with her in LR when I went to Arkansas to visit family. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding in the 70s. She was my oldest and dearest friend. I’m heartbroken to learn of her passing. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Meri was my running partner in high school. I will miss her greatly.
Meredith Oakley was a very respected legend in Arkansas media, a no-nonsense, “get gritty” lady with an iron fist in a velvet glove. She was a journalist’s journalist. I had the honor and pleasure of being her co-worker at the old Arkansas Democrat in the early to mid-1980s – back when our newsroom staff members kicked butt & took names, unafraid of the devil himself. Meredith inspired me to be a better journalist and a better person. She also was very kind to me during a dark period in my personal life. Rest in peace, dear Meredith. God must need a great editor for the Big Newsroom in the Sky.
I remember Meredith very well. We had several classes together in high school. She was always very kind and had a great sense of humor. I’m sorry to hear of her passing.
She was a friend in Junior High, and I remember cheerleader tryouts where she impressed us with her strong voice during her demonstration of skills that pushed her into the top 10! Great memories. Great friend.
She was a long time friend from the old neighborhood, she is one of a kind and was always great to be around. RIP, you will be missed
I knew Meredith through her columns , as a contributor and as a guest on her her talk show. I was impressed by her writing and commitment to her point of view. She was a strong voice for getting the story out there.. You knew that she did not suffer people who did not know what they were talking about. Though gone too young in her retirement, her contributions to journalism and the quality of public debate in Arkansas are a lasting legacy.
I knew Meredith in High School, RIP my friend, see you on the other side.
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