Mary Agnes Wilson Messer, 91, of Roanoke passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Traylor’s Nursing Home after an extended illness.

A celebration of her life will be held at Roanoke First United Methodist Church at 2 pm on Saturday, April 1, with Revs. Josh Hickman and Paul Messer officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, March 31, from 5-7 pm at Quattlebaum’s Funeral Home and on Saturday at the church for the hour prior to the service.

A lifelong resident of Randolph County, she was the youngest child of Clint and Ilona Bradley Wilson joining siblings Kermit, Clintis (Peg), Lewis, and Carolyn on July 10, 1931. After attending New Hope School through the tenth grade, she was a 1949 graduate of Randolph County High School where she excelled as a scholar and basketball player.

In 1978 Mrs. Messer opened “Mary Messer’s Flower Shop” and lovingly served the people of Roanoke and Randolph County until 1991. The business continued to operate under her name until 2022. One of her greatest joys was sharing her flower arranging skills with her church family at Roanoke First UMC.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Mrs. Messer is survived by her daughter Dawn Simpson (Nick), son Paul Messer (Kittie), and grandchildren Mande, Brandon, Derrick, Blair, Bobby, Jodi, Amanda, and Danny. She is also survived by thirteen great-grandchilden. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Junior W. Messer, and daughter Lynne M. Barnes and Lynne’s husband Terry.

Flower tributes will be accepted or donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., F. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.