Karen Winette Messa

Karen W. Messa “Wendy”, age 71, of Gulfport, MS passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Mrs. Messa was born in Jena, LA on September 2, 1954, and was a long-time resident of Gulfport. She graduated from Delta Heritage Academy, class of 1972.

Karen and her late husband, Dave, got married in 1999 and from that moment forward they built a life of love and adventure. Over the course of their marriage, they traveled across the country in their motor home, visiting 49 states in just three years. Together they explored most national parks, where Karen collected badges from each one. She was so proud of her collection and even had an official junior ranger vest. They were certified scuba divers, frequent visitors of Alaska, and regular attendees of the annual VHPA conventions, where Karen formed many lasting friendships throughout the years. She truly never met a stranger. Karen was also a lifelong fan of the Atlanta Braves and LSU Tigers. She attended Northwood Church at the Gulfport campus, where she made many friends and deepened her faith.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Grady White; mother, Merline Cutchall White (Coot); brother, Randall G. White; and love of her life, David T. Messa.

She is survived by her loving son, Scott and his wife Marlene; her granddaughter, Brooke; and her beloved grandpup, Panther; along with numerous friends that became family.

Karen has requested donations in her honor to the following organizations:

American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741

Samaritan’s Purse-Operation Heal Our Patriots, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607

Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Scholarship Fund to: VHPA Endowment, 1601 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 117, Arlington, TX 76011