Obituary of Lorene B. Messer

Lorene B. Messer, 88, of Whittier NC passed away after a brief illness on Thursday June 1st, 2023. She was a native of Swain County and the daughter of the late Robert Brooks and the late Sara Simonds. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Homer Reaves Messer, her son Bruce Messer and her brother Claude Brooks. She is survived by son Roger Brooks (Bobbie) of Sylva, daughter Brenda Setzer (Ronnie) of Sylva, daughter Rita Eaves (Tommy) of Union South Carolina, son James Messer (Tamara) of Clyde, son Joe Messer (Bonnie) of Cullowhee, son Bob Messer (Missy) of Bryson City and son Claude Ray Messer of Whittier. She is also survived by her sister Inez Ledford of Franklin. She is survived by 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren on the way. After raising her children, Lorene worked for Kentucky Fried Chicken in Cherokee and with her sister Inez at the Jarrett House in Dillsboro. She was an avid gardener and won the Jackson County award for gardening two years in a row. She loved to cook home cooked meals for her family. Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. Pallbearers are Dewey Messer, Dennis Messer, Clinton Messer, Cody Allison, Jackson Bowers, Rodney Holland, Chris Bowers and Dale Buchanan. Honorary pallbearers are Joey Hodge, Jerry Crumpler, Trevor Smith, Beau Franzen, Thad Messer and Bailey Buchanan. Family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Crisp Funeral Home and the funeral will follow immediately at 2:00 PM on Sunday June 4th, 2023, graveside services to follow at the Barkers Creek Cemetery with Reverend Cory Boone.