Rebecca Meyer, less formally known as Becky, was a voice for The Eatonton Messenger for 34 years.
Although her office was tucked away in the back of the building, her phone ringing, her quick typing, or her laughter and voice could be heard throughout the building as she worked diligently as the Circulation and Legal Notices Clerk.
Becky passed away Oct. 4, surrounded by family and friends at Piedmont Athens, after bravely battling a progressive illness.
“If you visited The Eatonton Messenger, chances are you got to meet Becky Meyer,” said Smith Communications Inc. General Manager Matt Smith. “Becky took great pride in her work and enjoyed helping people in the community. I will always have a special place in my heart for Becky.”
Becky began her career with Smith Communications as a graphic artist alongside Mickey Smith. Eventually, she gravitated toward overseeing legal ads, classifieds, circulation subscribers, customer service, and more.
“I was blessed to be able to work with Becky for 20 years. Becky was one of a kind,” Smith Communications Business Manager Cassandra Fowler said. “She was very dedicated and dependable for 34 years, and she loved coming to work and seeing her extended family, and that’s what she was to me; she was family.”
“Working in the office for the first five years, I got to spend most of my days with Becky and got to really know her. She loved her kitties, soaps at lunch, and her computer games,” Smith Communications Sales Manager Heather Harris added. “She will be greatly missed.”
"Though I only knew Becky for three years, she was the first voice I heard in the morning before heading upstairs and the last face I saw at the end of the day. We often parked beside each other, shared amusing stories of our cats, and had small chit-chat during brief visits to her office to make lunch. While our time together was short, her lack of presence in the office leaves the room without laughs and good mornings that not only I but others in this office have come to appreciate."
Ian Tocher, editor of The Eatonton Messenger, said Becky was his “go-to” person for sorting out legal ad issues or any kind of subscriber request.
“Becky always knew the answer or where to find it at least,” Tocher said. “She also helped me out a few times when I needed a notary, which was just another of her memorable roles here. And like other cat lovers here, we sometimes shared stories or photos of our furry friends.
“But Becky is going to be missed on so many levels here, both personally and professionally, and my heartfelt condolences go out to all her family, friends, and other people she touched through her roles here at Smith Communications.”
Becky was a friend and extended family member to many of Smith Communications’ staff. Her work ethic and compassionate heart extended beyond her office.
LakeLife Magazine Editor Lynn Hobbs worked with Becky for 14 years, nine of them in the same office and the other five at the Lake Oconee News office in Greensboro.
“Her personality wasn’t energetic, animated, or bubbly; she was more like a rock, always working steadily and consistently day in and day out. When something frustrated her, her demeanor remained steady and calm. Becky was the quiet one behind the scenes, always dependable. And yet, she also would light up whenever I’d walk into the back room where she worked,” said Hobbs.
Becky would often speak about her family, bragging about those she loved.
“She could be counted on to tell the best cat tales of her beloved kitties at home. When she talked about her family, it was obvious she loved them and they were her world,” said Hobbs.
“Becky loved her family and her cats,” Fowler confirmed. “She also cared deeply for those around her. She kept us updated on any potential bad weather. It didn’t matter whether we were working or at home; she would make sure to send a text to let us know she wanted us to be safe.
“I will miss being able to talk to her. She would always listen to me if I was having a bad day, whether it was personal or work-related. She always had my back and I had hers.”
Becky’s family and friends have returned that sentiment with a repertoire of memories and love that speak to who she was. Anyone may leave a memory or message on her tribute wall at graymemorialchapel.com.
“I love you, Nana. Thank you for the 29 years I got with you. You were the BEST nana in the world,” wrote her granddaughter, Briannah Dupree, on Becky’s online tribute wall.
“Aunt Becky was always so gentle and kind. She will be missed,” her niece Nancy added to the wall.
“Becky worked with me and my mom, dad, both sisters, all three of my sons, and brother-in-law Rufus, and at least one cousin during her tenure here,” Smith Communications Owner and Publisher Mark Smith said. “She was like family and saw the company grow from one small weekly paper to the company we have today.”
“When my grandmother needed assistance, Becky was always there,” Matt Smith confirmed. “With over 34 years of dedicated service, Becky wasn’t just a coworker; she was family. May she rest easy.”
Becky is survived by her husband of 55 years, Steven Meyer; daughter, Mary (Anthony) Byrd; grandchildren, Briannah (Morgan) Dupree and Michael (Allie) Byrd; great-grandchildren, Kohen Byrd, and Kayson Byrd; sister, Judith (Terry) Reese; and several nieces and nephews.