Tribute to Women: Amy Meadows
/AMY MEADOWS
Third grade reading/writing teacher, Red Lick ISD
Pianist and worship arts director, First United Methodist Church
photo by shane darby
“I want to impart some kernel of wisdom to those I work with.”
From age 10 to 18, Amy Meadows served as the unpaid pianist for her small church in De Kalb, Texas—an early start that foreshadowed the career she would inhabit as an adult. She has been on staff at First United Methodist Church for 21 years, not only playing the piano but also working with the children’s choir, adult choir, and praise band. “Offering music in worship provides an outlet for me to use my gifts for God’s glory,” she said.
Mark and Amy have three children, Fiona (17), Joseph (11), and Ivy (16). submitted photo
Formerly, Amy taught private piano lessons; worked as an accompanist for choirs, bands, and instrumentalists at five local public schools; performed with a classic rock band called Ida Myrtis; and played for countless weddings, funerals, and other events. She still takes an occasional gig with the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, an experience that she said provides “immense satisfaction.” She feels similarly accomplished after running large music events at her church, such as the annual “Night of Worship.”
“My husband [Mark, who is FUMC’s director of worship technology] and I intentionally pray and discern a theme that we feel God wants us to focus on,” Amy said. “We involve other musicians, choose music and scripture, practice, and then let the Spirit guide the ‘Night of Worship’ and bring it all together. It’s a humbling experience that ministers to me as well as others.”
Amy and Mark together experienced a great career hardship in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated online services. “Leading worship in an empty sanctuary via Facebook Live was an experience I never got used to,” Amy said. “Corporate worship is an interactive experience. I felt isolated and missed hearing the congregation singing together. My husband and I would stream worship music sessions from our living room, but it was always out of my comfort zone.”
This challenge pushed Amy to consider another career. During the pandemic, she earned a teaching certificate online, and in 2021, she began teaching at Red Lick Elementary School, as a third-grade reading teacher. She is currently finishing her fifth year at the school. “I love my students and enjoy teaching them from a whole-child perspective,” she said. “I care about their emotional and spiritual growth as young people in addition to their academic development. Teaching at Red Lick has given me opportunities to bond with my students, get to know them and their families, and provide them a safe, loving classroom where they are respected and nurtured. There is nothing as exciting as seeing the light bulb turn on for students as they become more confident in their reading and writing skills.”
As a worship musician, teacher, and mom to three, Amy juggles her tasks with passion and faith.
“I do what I do because I love God and people,” she said. “I want to impart some kernel of wisdom to those I work with, whether that’s young singers at my church or my classroom of students at Red Lick. I learn from my students and coworkers as well. I get overwhelmed when I think about the troubles that exist worldwide, but then I look around at the circle of influence I have in this community. I think it’s important for us to do what we can in our immediate communities and pray that the ripple effect of our actions is a blessing to those around us.”
FSLM ASKED AMY:
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I played piano for my first wedding gig when I was 10 years old.
Name a girl or woman you admire.
My daughters, Fiona and Ivy, continually inspire me through their hard work and leadership qualities. They serve tirelessly at school, church, and home. They are truly a blessing to me!
If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would it be?
Keep “pushing that rock,” as my dad always tells me, and trust God’s timing, because He is doing more beneath the surface than I can see.
photo by shane darby
How Robin Thomas Sees Amy:
“I am pleased to nominate Amy Meadows for the 2026 Tribute to Women issue. Amy is at the top of my list as a musician and person whom I highly admire. She is an outstanding pianist, vocalist, and teacher throughout the Texarkana music community. You can see Amy every Sunday playing the piano and singing alongside her husband, Mark, as they both lead in worship at First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas. Together, they are wonderful and dedicated worship leaders. Amy is very involved in the community as an accompanist for solo/ensemble band festivals, a pianist/accompanist for the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, and an adjudicator for piano festivals at Texarkana College. Amy also serves as a well-loved and excellent English teacher at Red Lick Elementary School. Her students speak very highly of her, saying she is nice, funny, and talented. Whenever you see Amy, you always see her smiling. She is the most positive, laid-back, humble lady and lives each day with a strong faith for God. Amy is a very devoted wife to Mark and loving mother to Fiona, Ivy, and Joseph. I am proud to call Amy Meadows a colleague and a friend.”