Bessie B. Messmer

Bessie Bernice Messmer, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Nov. 30, 2010, at the Colonial Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center of Colonial Heights, Va. She had been under the care of Crater Community Hospice.

She was born on Feb. 21, 1925, in Parkin, Ark., the daughter of Edith (Rogers) and Tony B. Delashmit. She was married to Raymond A. Messmer until his death in 1978. As an Army wife, she moved frequently to follow her husband on his different assignments both in the U.S. and in Germany. She and her older son were on the second boatload of dependents to Germany after World War II. Bess was a Tupperware manager for five years in Colorado Springs, Colo., and then a Tupperware distributor for two years in Memphis, Tenn. After her husband's retirement to the Colonial Heights area, they both owned and operated Messmer's Tax Service. She continued that business after his death until her own retirement. Bess was very proud of the fact that she became an enrolled agent certified by the IRS. She was a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and was director 1985-86; first vice president 1986-87; and president 1988-89. She was named the Enrolled Agent of the Year in 1988. She helped establish the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents and was the society's first executive director for 16 years, retiring in 1999. In 1985, Bess received NAEA's Founders Award recognizing her for significant leadership and contributions and service to NAEA and its members. This lifetime achievement award is NAEA's highest recognition bestowed on a member.

She is survived by two sons and their families, Jimmy Messmer (Anna) of South Portland, Maine, and their two children, Karen Carter (Rick) of South Portland, Maine, and David Messmer (Catherine) of Topsham, Maine; and Robert Messmer (Barbara) of Callaway, Fla.,and their two children, Kathy Foster (Brian) and John Messmer (Stacey), all of the Panama City area of Florida; and several great-grandchildren in both Maine and Florida.

There will be no visiting hours or funeral as per her request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Alzheimer's Association, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060, or the Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.