Obituary of Barbara A. Messenger

Barbara Ann Messenger, 89, of Millersville, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the Wishing Well Senior Living Community in Fairmont. She was born February 3, 1933 in Marion County, a daughter of the late Lawrence B. and Anna Shackleford Brown. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James E. Messenger and their daughter, Rebecca “Becca” Messenger. Barbara was a graduate of East Fairmont High School and a life long member of the Valley Chapel United Methodist Church. She was a devoted homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother. Barbara was an active member of the Valley Chapel United Methodist Church where she belonged to the United Methodist Women and attended the Seekers Sunday School Class. Barbara served in many numerous community organizations, including, Garden Club and Quota Club. She volunteered with the Union Mission Food Pantry, delivered Meals on Wheels, and helped with the Red Cross. She and her friends loved to bake for Christmas and make deliveries to the many service personnel of Marion County. Her greatest joy came from being a wonderful mother and grandmother to her immediate family and anyone who needed encouragement. Barbara is survived by her sons, James O. and his wife Suzanne Messenger of Fairmont, and Brian J. Messenger and his companion Lisa Maple, her grandchildren, Leandra and her husband Dennis Lee Perkins, III and Dylan Messenger and his companion Michaela Ice, her step-grandchildren Amanda Dillow and John Dillow, as well as her great-grandchildren, Aubrey Wilson, Bentley Wilson, Kaydee Perkins, Dennis Lee Perkins, IV, Mercedes Rizer, Wyatt Cross, Isaiah Dillow In addition to her husband, her daughter, and her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Vickie Messenger. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Wishing Well Senior Living Community for the care and concern given to Barbara over the past several years. Memorial donations may be made to the Valley Chapel United Methodist Church, 1511 Pleasant Valley Road, Fairmont, WV 26554, or to the Union Mission, 107 Jefferson Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. The family has entrusted the arrangements to Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. All services will be held privately with interment to follow at the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Westover, WV. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.