Obituary of Elizabeth Meiners

Elizabeth “Libby” Meiners died peacefully on Monday July 24th after a long battle with cancer. Libby Meiners was a fun loving “Big Fish” and loved nothing more than making people laugh with her tall tales. She leaves behind Joe, her beloved husband of 39 years. She loved the great memories of the two of them laughing until they were crying. They never could remember what it was that was so funny, but whatever it was, it was hilarious. She is survived by her three wonderful children: Matt (wife Cassidy, and children Madeline and Felix), Kate, and Stephanie (husband Jeremy and children Maxwell and Parker). She always got so much joy from their visits.

Libby is also survived by her two brothers, Herb (wife Joan) and Dave (wife Margo). These gentlemen were and are incredible tennis players. Both played tennis for Clemson University and were instrumental (Herb especially) in getting Libby to play at Clemson as well.

Libby is preceded in death by her parents (Jack and Barbara) and by her adored sister Margie.

Libby had a very successful college career as a member of the Clemson Women’s Tennis team from 1977-1980. Libby was voted Team MVP in 1977, the year Clemson was ranked 9th in the nation. Among others, she still holds the team record as of 2012, at the #3 position for the all-time highest singles winning percentage (.912) from her sophomore season in 1978.

Libby found it impossible to talk about her accomplishments without talking about her friends that accompanied her along the way. Friends from her youth that played tennis in all the junior tournaments in Florida. Teammates from Clemson that played with her during her college career, including in the NCAA Division 1 Nationals. Sorority and college friends that joined her for countless adventures. As Libby got older, she enjoyed playing tennis with friends, joining the Charlotte Interclub and Queen City Tennis Leagues, as well as USTA League teams. With these friends, she went to USTA League Nationals four times, winning twice and placing as a finalist once. As spectacular as these accomplishments were, her favorite tennis memory was winning a tournament at Charlotte Indoor with her daughter Kate.

Sports have always played a central role in Libby’s life. In addition to her exceptional tennis career, she recently added golf to the mix and was enjoying learning the game. Even as playing sports became less and less feasible, she loved being outdoors and seeing the beauty around her.

She truly found her calling later in life as a teacher and coach. She taught math at both Piedmont and Porter Ridge High School for 10 years. She went back to school to obtain her education degree to continue her passion for teaching. While teaching, she also served as the tennis coach for both the men’s and women’s teams at Piedmont and Porter Ridge. She led both teams to multiple conference championships and was awarded Coach of the Year on multiple occasions.

She had amazing support from her husband, family, and close friends toward the end. And even though the cancer might have had won, she knew that with God’s Grace the adventure continues.

Libby's family will receive friends from 11:30 A. M. to 1:30 P. M., Thursday July 27th, 2023, at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203. Following the visitation will be a funeral mass at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202, and inurnment at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library, the St. Peter Catholic Church Building Fund, or especially to any animal care entity (City, Humane Society, SPCA) in Charlotte, NC.