Gerda Messinger

Gerda Belden Messinger, 93, widow of Cecil James Messinger, died Sunday, May 5, 2013, at J. F. Hawkins Nursing Home. She had resided in Newberry, SC, since 2005. Born in Grand Valley, PA, on April 3, 1920, Gerda was the daughter of Julian Selden Belden and Loretta Pitt Belden.

Survivors include her son, Orrin (Judy Ann) Messinger of Nicholasville, KY, and daughters Judith (David) Clark of Newberry, SC, and Sylvia (Joe) Royek of Corry, PA, her sister Jean Boythe of Spartansburg, PA, and brother-in-law Tom Messinger of Corry, PA. Grandchildren are Christina Clark (James) Hardwicke of Columbia, SC, Leanne Messinger (Tony) Anderson of Concord, NC, Robert (Stephanie) Messinger of Orlando, FL, Justin Royek and Matthew Royek of Corry, PA. She had 4 great grandchildren. Mrs. Messinger was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Cecil Messinger and by brothers Otto Belden and Keith Belden.

Mrs. Messinger was a devoted wife and mother, a dedicated Christian, a faithful friend, and a godly example. She was a gracious hostess, exemplary homemaker, skilled seamstress and accomplished artist. For as long as she was able, she regularly corresponded with family and friends.

The family would like to express thanks to the staff of J. F. Hawkins Nursing Home for their compassionate care these past two years, to Dr. Corey Hunt, and to Palmetto Health Hospice.

Interment will be beside her husband at Volusia Memorial Park in Ormond Beach, FL. A memorial service will be held at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Newberry, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Palmetto Health Hospice, PO Box 352, Newberry, SC, or to Lighthouse Baptist Church, PO Box 1022, Newberry, SC.

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