Hilda Fennel Van Meter,86, passed away at her residence on Monday, June 22,2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Hilda was born in Wayne County on December 19, 1939, to the late Zeke and Ella Fennel, and was  a long time resident of Wayne County. She loved the Lord with all her heart and was a faithful member of Grace Assembly of God.

Hilda was devoted to her family and was a loving mother who cherished her children and would do anything for those she loved. She was also a doting great-grandmother who took great joy in following her great-grandchildren's lives and attending their extracurricular activities, always cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments. She enjoyed an active social life, looking forward to Sunday lunches with her brother and sister, as well as brunch gatherings with her fellow Kmart associate friends.

She took great pride in her home and enjoyed decorating it to make it warm and welcoming. Hilda was a devoted baseball fan and an enthusiastic supporter of the Atlanta Braves. She also loved flowers, birds, and shopping. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty-two years, Charles A. "Chuck" Van Meter; son, Milton Ray Van Meter; brothers, Joe, Herman, Delmer,and Theron; sisters, Eunice, Ovaleen, Monteen, and Vonnie; and half sisters, Gladys and Jewel.

Hilda leaves behind two daughters and sons-in-law, Sherry Ann and Winston Sharpe of Jesup, and Rebecca Lynn and Dale Shoener of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Casey Leggett, Jodi Denison(Brian), Jason Moseley, Levi Welling(Dannee), and Taylor Laird; great grandchildren, Trace Denison (Chrislyn), Huxley Denison, Haven Denison, Sadie Grace Denison, Melissa Rae Laird, Tess Leggett, Eli Leggett, Rae Leggett, Brik Leggett, and Landon Leggett; great great grandchildren, Sable Denison, Sterling Denison, Olive Leggett, and Chjaihsavnh Welling; brother, Gary Fennel; and sister, Ruby Coffee; special niece who was like a sister, Chris Mobley; and many other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Grace Assembly of God with Reverend Dale Bange officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Grace Assembly of God Adult Sunday School Class and her fellow Kmart Associate friends. 

The family extends its sincere appreciation to the staff of Hospice of South Georgia for the compassionate care and support provided to Mrs. Hilda and her family during her final days.