Obituary for Lovella Messer (1947-2024)

Mrs. Lovella Messer, 77, of Cannon, passed away Thursday evening, October 24, 2024 at the Barbourville ARH Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Stanley Lee “Turk” and Edna Smith Broughton born May 29, 1947 in Barbourville.

Lovella was formerly employed at Warners and Hobbs Dime Store and retired from Lay Elementary School where she was a cook. She was a devoted member of the Sinking Valley Baptist Church and was the treasurer of her Sunday School class, taught Vacation Bible School and served in the WMU. She was strongly committed to her faith and never hesitated to share about her love for the Lord. Lovella enjoyed fishing, shopping, watching movies and TV shows and playing games with her family. An avid gardener, she also enjoyed spending time outdoors and tending her flowers.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Sue Mills; three brothers, Adam Broughton, Rev. David Broughton and Vocus Broughton; sisters-in-law, Janice Broughton, Richie Broughton and Vernettie Stephens and brother-in-law, Roger Lee Mills.

Survivors include her loving husband, Nelson Messer of Cannon; children, Mark and Larry Messer and Kimberly Grubb and husband, Brian, all of Cannon; sister, Purity Lewis and husband, Pat, of Barbourville; brothers, Linville Broughton and wife, Nina, Steve Broughton and wife, Doris, Perry Broughton and wife, Melinna, and Darris Broughton and wife, Stephanie, all of Cannon; cherished grandchildren, Jessica Gray and husband, Justin, of London, Courtney Messer of Corbin, Kendal Grubb of Cannon, Devon Messer of Somerset, Adam Messer of Barbourville and Damon Collins of Barbourville; great-grandchildren, Makenzi and Fallon Gray; special care-giver, Debbie Hubbard; among other loved ones and dear friends.

Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Wednesday, October 30 at 1 P.M. with Rev. Jim Bargo and Rev. Johnny Fisher officiating. Music will be provided by Charlotte Garland and the Sinking Valley Baptist Church Choir. She will be laid to rest in the Patterson Cemetery.

Casket Bearers will be Shane Gray, Rick Smith, Braxton Broughton, Nathaniel Broughton, Darris Broughton, Zachery Broughton, David Broughton and Denver Gray.

Friends may visit at the funeral home Tuesday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Wednesday prior to the funeral hour.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.

Send a condolence to the family of LOVELLA MESSER.

For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.