Eddie D. Wessel-DeVier

Eddie D. Wessel-DeVier, 90, of Harrisonburg, passed away Friday, October 24, 2025 at Sentara RMH Medical Center. Her loving family was by her side. She was born on October 13, 1935 in Aiken, South Carolina, and was the daughter of the late William Chester and Lois Gertrude (Bates) DeLay. In April 1942, her mother died of cancer and she and her young brother were sent to live with relatives. This was a life-long heartache for Eddie.
She graduated from high school in 1951 and in the fall she married Edward Warren McElmurray, a John Deere farm equipment salesman. They were married for 20 years and resided in Johnston and Columbia, South Carolina and then in 1961, moved to 241 Paul Street, Harrisonburg after being transferred to the Virginia territory of the company. The city neighborhood and community was an extraordinary parent and child development environment with families being of similar ages and outlooks. Eddie shepherded her children through elementary, junior, and senior high schools. Her family was involved in Sunday school, choir and seasonal events of the First Presbyterian Church. She tirelessly guided her children in schoolwork, Girl and Boy Scouts, football, cheerleading, piano and other activities.
In 1971, she began working at Rockingham Memorial Hospital (RMH) as an operating room medical secretary and gained skills in scheduling and medical procedures. In 1972, she married Dr. H. Niels Wessel, a urologist at the hospital and both worked toward merging their care for a blended family. He preceded her in death. Eddie also worked at Walker Manufacturing (Tenneco) in the billing and accounting department and retired after 20 years.
Eddie had a lifelong passion for volunteering with the majority of her service being at the RMH Sentara Cancer Center. In 1961, she participated in the Kiwanis Club musical Moulin Rouge to benefit local youth programs. In addition to 8 years at the Cancer Center, she spent countless hours fund raising to purchase cancer screening and detection machines and helped at the gift shop and distributed flowers to patients. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies Society and did membership drives and community services.
From 1986 - 1989 she was married to Clint M. DeVier and then lived together until his death September 12, 2022. Their 36-years together was a testament to their love for each other. From time to time, they enjoyed Caribbean cruises and jazz events.
In retrospect, Eddie's most rewarding times in life were as homemaker, mother, and having the privilege of sharing her experiences and love with the next generation. Eddie is survived by daughters Angela (Ed) and their sons Kyle and Paul (Claire); Cheryl and her daughters, Emily (C.J.) and Kara (Lamarr); Alice (Scott) and their children Brandon and Macy. Rusty (Mara) and David (Donna), both sons deceased with surviving daughters Samantha (Rusty) and Danielle (David) and five great-grandchildren, Carter, Laylen and Londyn (Kara), Blakely (Emily), and Jack (Paul). She was also preceded in death by a brother, William C. DeLay, Jr.; and a granddaughter, Brittany Danzer.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Meredith Chapel, 3935 Sunnyside Drive, Harrisonburg, VA. The Rev. Ann Pettit, officiating.
Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at office@johnsonfs.com.