The daughter of Matthew Maler Mealer (or Mealor) and Arletta Lettie “Bug” Smith-Mealer, Rebecca J. Mealer was born during 1856 in Banks County, Georgia.

According to Cora Iola Brady-Ledbetter (who was James Franklin Mealer-Brady's daughter - and an avid genealogy researcher),in 1878, Rachel J. Mealer and her sister were been working on James Elias Brady's farm. On October 19, 1879, Rebecca J. Mealer gave birth to James Elias Brady's illegitimate son, James Franklin Mealer (Brady).

The 1880 U.S. Census indicates that Rebecca J. Mealer, and her infant son “Franklin Mealer”, were boarders living with James Elias Brady and his wife, Mary L. Brewer-Brady. 18 months after James Franklin Mealer Brady was born, Rachel Mealer became sick with dysentery. She died 3 days later (died on January 8, 1881 in Banks County, Georgia). Prior to her death, she asked Mary to raise him. This led to James Elias Brady & Mary L. Brewer-Brady adopting James Franklin Mealer Brady.

Rebecca Mealer is buried at the foot of Soapstone Mt. beside Willis Simmons (on Government land).