Elizabeth Ann "Betty Ann" Messerly

Elizabeth Ann "Betty Ann" Messerly, 92, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026. She was born on February 26, 1934, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to the late Joseph Lindsay Wilkinson and Edwina Abernathy Wilkinson.

Betty Ann grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, Class of 1952. She attended Sullins College in Bristol, Virginia, graduating in 1954, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama in 1956, completing triple majors in Home Economics, Foods and Nutrition, and Sociology. She also completed coursework in Educational Television and Television Production. During her time at the University of Alabama, she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and was also honored to be selected as a member of the prestigious Jacksonville Debutantes from 1954-1955, a distinction she always treasured as a highlight of her early years.

Following college, Betty Ann worked for several years as the Executive Director of the Dairy Council of Jacksonville, Florida. She would travel to schools and give education on food and nutrition to the children. Also, through the Dairy Council, she was involved in educational television programming.

On October 11, 1958, she married the love of her life, William Holt Messerly, at Riverside Park Methodist Church in Jacksonville, with a reception following at the Florida Yacht Club. Her dear friend, the late Carol Knight, served as her maid of honor.

In 1965, Betty Ann and Bill moved to Virginia when Bill was transferred with Continental Can Company. They first lived in Powhatan, where Betty Ann taught at Powhatan Public Schools, while their home was being built in Chester. In the spring of 1966, they moved into their new home-the first house built on Merry Drive-where they would create a lifetime of cherished memories.

Betty Ann embraced her role as a devoted wife and mother, dedicating herself full-time to raising her children. She and Bill were longtime, faithful members of St. John's Episcopal Church, where they formed many cherished and lasting friendships.

She found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life. Betty Ann was an accomplished seamstress who made her own clothing in high school and later developed a love for quilting. She enjoyed swimming, nature walks, bird watching, and flowers. As a young girl, she participated in water ballet, and throughout her life, she loved playing Bridge, beginning in her teenage years and continuing for decades. In Chester, she was an active member of four Bridge clubs. She loved visiting Fairy Stone State Park, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She especially loved watching her alma mater, Alabama, play football on television and delighted in cheering them on with the spirited traditions of Crimson Tide fans.

Betty Ann was preceded in death by her husband, William Holt Messerly (d. 2014), and her two brothers, Joseph Lindsay Wilkinson, Jr. and Edwin Mason Wilkinson.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Holt Messerly, Allen Messerly, and Mary (Messerly) Good and her husband, Bradley Good, along with her grandchildren, Jerry and Lila, who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her nieces Paula Caldwell & Liz Wilkinson, & nephews Lindsay & Mason Wilkinson.

A wake will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 3050 West Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23831, from 6 PM - 8 PM. A funeral service will be held at St. John's Episcopal, 12201 Richmond St., Chester, VA 23831, at 11 AM on Friday, April 24, 2026. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Condolences can be registered at jtmorriss.com.