Anna Mae Messick went to be with her Lord peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at Lofland Park Center, her home for seven years, on June 13, 2024.
She was born in Denton on Feb. 7, 1921 to Riley Mae and Harvey M. Collins. She graduated from Caroline High School and married Norris William Messick on Sept. 21, 1938. Following the promise of a job during the Great Depression her family moved to Bridgeville and made a home there.
Mrs. Messick in her early years of marriage worked for O. A. Newton & Son, and later at L. D. Caulk in Milford. She became a full time homemaker and caregiver for her husband through several years of illness. She lived alone until age 96 at which time she became a permanent resident at Lofland Park Center. She took great pride in her home and caring for her family. Anna Mae was a great cook and enjoyed making meals for family and friends. She was an avid needlework person, knitting even at age 99 as a resident at Lofland. She enjoyed reading and doing all kinds of puzzles and games, especially Scrabble.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband; her brother Joseph Collins; her half-sister Kathryn Mulholland; her grandson Gregory Toadvine; her sons-in-law Donald Toadvine and Robert H. Dickerson; and her granddaughter-in-law Patience Slacum.
She is survived by her daughters Barbara Dickerson of Bridgeville and Linda Toadvine of Laurel; her grandsons Todd Slacum (Dawn) of Georgetown, and Michael Toadvine (Lisa) of Laurel; her great grandchildren Seth Slacum, Zachery Toadvine (Lauren), Ashley Pugh, and Whitney White (Adam); great-great-grandchildren Gannon, Gracie and Jayleigh Pugh, and Mallory and Bailee Toadvine; and several nieces and nephews.
Anna Mae was a kind and generous soul, always putting others’ needs before her own. Her love and compassion extended to all who knew her and she will be remembered for her infectious smile and warm personality. She lived a fulfilling life and was a woman of many talents. She had a passion for cooking, canning, and a green thumb for gardening and flowers.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and relatives who have shown their support as we celebrate Mom’s change of address to the streets of Heaven. Anna Mae will be missed deeply by all who were blessed to know her: Lofland Park employees especially Nicole and her “Sunshine,” Dorine, Shanna, Nettie, Mary, Lois, Sheyenne, Jennifer, Tasha, Rachel and Loren; nurses Carla, Howard, Martin and Sara; from the kitchen Adrienne and Sar; and her roommate Barbara Thornton. Her kindness, witty spirit, independence and love will continue to live on in the hearts of her loved ones.
A public viewing was held Wednesday, June 19 followed by a funeral service at Framptom Funeral Home-Fleischauer Chapel in Greenwood. Burial followed after the service at Bridgeville Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome or the family suggests contributions to the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 727, Bridgeville, DE 19933.
Arrangements are entrusted to Framptom Funeral Home-Fleischauer Chapel. Please visit www.framptom.com to express condolences.
As we say goodbye to Anna Mae, we also celebrate her remarkable journey through life and the many ways she has touched our hearts as we will gather to honor her spirit and the impact she made on us all. Rest in peace, Mom, you will be forever in our hearts.