By O'Neal Messick--
A wonderful time was had by all at a get together of the grandchildren of Verbia and Mary Carter Messick of Abbeville. Those 14 cousins in attendance were George Heller Jr., Mary Messick Tallant, Stephanie Murphy Capps, Liza Heller Eto, Brendt Murphy, Sandy Messick McClanahan, Stella Murphy Barnes, Amy Heller Moring, Mike Murphy, Dee Dee Messick Champion, Carter Messick, Karen Messick Avery, Dendy Messick and Mark Messick.
The special guests of the event were Lucy Messick Heller, O’Neal Messick and Jane Messick Murphy, the three living children of Verbia and Mary Messick. They were introduced by Brendt Murphy, the emcee of the occasion. They each spoke with humor and emotion about the importance of family. Forty-three descendants of these special guests were present at the reunion and a total of 69 people attended the gathering. Remembrances were made of Verbia and Mary’s three deceased children, Wiley Messick, Doug Messick and Jac Messick.
Also in attendance was the family of Cada Mills Carter, the nephew of Verbia and Mary Messick. The reunion was held at the Great Southern Wood Conference Center Annex. A Thanksgiving buffet was catered by Huggin Molly’s restaurant and each family provided delicious desserts.
The reunion ended with the family gathering on the outdoor patio of Parker and Abby Champion’s home. Brunswick stew from Roger Scott was served.
The family wishes to thank Stella Murphy Barnes for doing everything it took to make this event happen and to Lucy Messick Heller for sponsoring the event.
