Mary Messer

Mary Wheeler Gray Messer, 93, of Hattiesburg, Misssissppi, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015, at her home.

She was the retired director of The Baptist Student Union at Southeast Missouri State University and was a member of First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Thomas S. Messer Sr., and a brother, Alex Winston Gray.

She is survived by one son, Dr. Thomas S. (Carol) Messer Jr. of Hattiesburg; and two grandchildren, Winston Harmon (Ellen) Messer and Mary Anne Messer.

Private graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Waynesboro Cemetery in Waynesboro, Mississippi. Dr. Jim Lee of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the Messer Scholarship Fund at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126.

Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home of Hattiesburg is in charge of the arrangements.