Nancy Louise Messer

Mother, grandmother, servant of Christ and dear friend to many, Nancy Louise Messer, age 78, went home to be with her Lord Thursday, April 8, 2021. Born November 6, 1942, in Buchanan, VA, she was preceded in death by her parents Rufus Zimmerman Obenshain and Virginia Reynolds Obenshain. Nancy loved her LORD and His faithful unchanging Word with all her heart. She especially loved the verse that says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” She believed that with all of her heart. She was a vigilant prayer warrior, daily praying for her family and friends. She was a faithful member of Berean Baptist Church from 1975 to the present. She taught Junior Church, worked in the nursery, was an assistant at the yearly Bible School and helped by serving at special events. She graduated in 1961 from Bruce High School in Westernport, MD, as its Salutatorian. She then attended Strayer College in Alexandria, VA, graduating as a legal secretary. She was employed by a prestigious law firm in Alexandria, VA, that boasted the Kennedy family as their client. She was wed to Robert Messer June 1, 1963, Alexandria, VA. She is survived by Robert; her children: daughter Tamara Cawthon and her husband, James Cawthon; son Tony; son Andy and his wife, Mireille; son Adam and his wife, Kerry. Nancy is also survived by twelve grandchildren, the pride of her life: Carolee and Daniel Cawthon; Zachary Messer; Leah, David, Nadia, Alexis, Prisca, and Hadassah Messer; and Hannah, Luke, and Levi Messer. She is also survived by two brothers, Larry and Don, and their wives Margie and Doris, and numerous nieces and nephews. Nancy was a lifelong Avon representative. She loved to garden, read, travel, spend time with and serve her family and friends. Nancy loved to give gifts and she never forgot a birthday. Friends and family were always made to feel special in her sending them a heartfelt card for birthdays and special occasions. Her work careers included being a product merchandiser for Hanes Co., a Costco demonstrator, and working with her daughter Tamara at her catering business. She retired in 2014 from Workforce Development at Northern Virginia Community College as an administrative and office specialist. Nancy was a huge Washington Capitals fan. She loved the guys in red, white, and blue and cheered them on during every game with exuberant “Yay, Yays.” She was so proud of their Stanley Cup win in 2018. Funeral services will be held April 14. 10:00 am: Graveside service at Bright View Cemetery, 8265 Lunsford Road, Warrenton, VA. -- 1:00 pm: Visitation -- 2:00 pm: Memorial Service; both held at Berean Baptist Church, 10213 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA. Cards and flowers can be sent to: 8314 Liberia Ave., Manassas, VA 20110