Dorleen Betts Messick passed away on Aug. 31, 2026, at home in Bridgeville.

Dorleen was born on April 30, 1955, in Milford and grew up in Georgetown, where she graduated from Sussex Central High School in 1973. She graduated from Milford Hospital School of Nursing in 1976 as a Registered Nurse.

Upon graduation, Dorleen pursued a 35-year career as a Registered Nurse at Milford Memorial Hospital (Bay Health). She was known for her dedicated work ethic and compassion for her patients. She resided in Seaford (1978-1994), after which time she moved to Bridgeville.

Dorleen was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a member for many years of the First Baptist Church of Seaford. She played piano for many years at several area churches, and volunteered at Delaware Read-A-Loud and the Sussex Pregnancy Care Center. Her life was characterized by quiet service to God and to family and friends.

Dorleen is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Messick; three brothers, David Betts, Dennis (Amy) Betts and Dan Betts; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, William C. Betts, and her mother, Doris R. Betts.

A funeral service was held on Sunday, Sept. 6, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services in Georgetown. Burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Millsboro was held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to your choice of two ministries that were dear to Dorleen’s heart:  First Baptist Church of Seaford, PO Box 1437, Seaford, DE 19973, please note donation for Missions; or Sussex Pregnancy Center, 5 Burger King Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947.