Meta Mae Whitt

Meta Mae Crisp Whitt was born in Richmond, Kentucky on January 6, 1924. She was raised in Sandy Hook, Kentucky with 6 brothers and sisters. Her father, John Crisp was Superintendent of schools and her mother, Norma was a homemaker.

Meta excelled in school and was hired as a teacher while attending Morehead State Teacher’s College. She moved to Baltimore, Maryland where she became a “Rosie the Riveter” working on battleships that were being built. After a while Meta returned to Sandy Hook. She met and married Mervil B. Whitt who had just returned from serving in the Army during WWII. They moved to Cairo, Illinois, Waverly, Ohio and then settled in Xenia, Ohio. In 1959 they adopted a 7-year-old boy named Fred from an orphanage in Kentucky.

Meta and Mervil were both educators until they retired. Mervil became the first principal of Park Hills High School in 1969 and the family then moved to Fairborn. Meta continued to teach 7th grade Math at West Jr. High in Xenia.

After they both retired Meta and Mervil developed an interest in Appalachian music and primitive instruments used in their music. They became active in sharing their knowledge and talent at Elder Hostels in many universities. They both became part of a bluegrass band (Rocky River Express) and preformed at many events in the Fairborn community including the Fourth of July parade and activities as well as the Sweet Corn Festival until Mervil passed away in 1990.

In 1996 Meta married Robert Schwartz. They traveled frequently until Bobs death in 2009. Meta continued to be active in the Fairborn Senior Center, helping with and preforming at the Sweet Corn Festival each year. She was Sweet Corn Queen in 2005.

Meta was a member of Fairborn Senior Center, Xenia Senior Center, Fairborn Performing Arts Center, Greene County Retired Teachers Association and was also inducted into the Greene County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2006.

Meta has resided at Fairborn Assisted Living (formerly Wickshire) for the past 12 years. She has a son, Fred (JoAnn), 2 grandchildren (Tony Whitt, Tara Schiewetz) 5 great-grandchildren (Mary, Izzy, Caleb, Lane, Luke) a sister, Delma Prince and several nieces and nephews. 

Meta turned 100 years old on January 6, 2024. She is an example of a life well lived!

Per Meta’s request no public services will be held. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn, OH 45324. Condolences can be made to the family at www.beltonstroup.com