Brenda Lorene Messer

     Brenda Lorene Messer, age 71, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 3rd, 2018. Brenda was born September 24, 1946 to Pink Jr. and Bertha Long. She was the first of four children. Brenda enjoyed a full and happy childhood in Lee County, Alabama. She attended Beauregard High School before finishing her education at Southern Union in Opelika, AL, where she studied to become a cosmetologist. In 1973, Brenda wed Benny Messer, a U.S. Marine, from Cottonwood, AL. They shared 45 years together raising three children, Steve Long, Tracy Messer Richmond, and Lori Messer Brown. Brenda and Benny have been residents of Dothan, AL since 1989.

Brenda was a member of both Society Hill Baptist Church in Opelika, AL and Bethlehem Assembly of God in Pansy, AL, where she enjoyed countless hours rejoicing with her family and friends. She found great comfort and joy in her worship of the Lord. Brenda was kind, loving, and always willing to give a helping hand or share benevolent words. Brenda had a compassionate heart and delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Above all, she was a loving and dedicated grandmother and a “Nanny” to everyone.

Brenda is survived in Dothan, AL, by her husband, Benny Messer; and three children, Steve (Melissa) Long, Tracy Richmond, and Lori (Patrick) Brown. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and their spouses, and 4 great-grandchildren, who all loved her dearly. Brenda is also survived by several great nieces and nephews. She has two surviving siblings, Eddie and Toni Long and Tina and Eddy McKibben, and was preceded in death by her parents, Pink Jr. and Bertha Long; and her sister, Susan Long.

The service for Brenda Messer will be held Wednesday, February 7th, in the chapel at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, AL. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and the service will immediately follow at 11 a.m.  Mark Carlock (Society Hill Baptist Church) and Myrice McNab will be officiating the service.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directing.

www.jeffcoattrant.com