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Quentin Messer Obituary

MESSER Funeral service for LTC Quentin Messer, Sr. (ret.) will be held Saturday, June 9, 2007, at 11:00AM, in his beloved Bethel Baptist Institutional Church (Bethel) where like his father, William, he was a Deacon. Mr. Messer was also a member of Bethel's History and Archives Ministry. Pastor Rudolph McKissick, Sr. and Pastor Rudolph McKissick, Jr., are the officiants. After many years of dedicated service, Mr. Messer retired as a Principal from the Duval County Public Schools in 2003. He graduated from New Stanton High School in 1956; received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 1960 from his beloved, Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he was a trombonist in the famed Marching 100, a member of the Student Congress, National Education Association, Baptist Student Union, Men's Senate, Student Union Social Board and a member of FAMU's chapter of Scabbard & Blade, the honorary military society for all branches of the military. Mr. Messer received a Masters of Education from Florida A & M University; and a Specialist in Education Administration and Leadership from The Florida State University. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1960, and assigned to the military police regiment. As a part of his active duty service, he was one of the military officers assigned to protect James Meredith when he integrated the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). After his active duty service, he continued to serve as an officer in the United States Army as a reservist, ultimately rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before his retirement. Among his many civic and social activities, Mr. Messer was a fundraiser for the James Weldon Johnson Branch of the YMCA; and proud member of the following organizations: Stanton Class of 1956, Florida A & M University Alumni Association, Wilder Park Senior Citizens Club, Jacksonville Society; the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, and American Diabetes Association. Mr. Messer leaves to cherish his memory: a loving wife, Bettie Jeane; children, Quentin Jr. and William and their wives, Kenya and Melanie; grandchildren, Quentin III and Erica; siblings, Wilma Messer Rogers, Alice Messer Britton (Daisy), Alveta Messer Smith (James), Minister Delano Messer McIntosh, and Myra Messer Anderson (Raymond) and brother in law, Dr. Milton H. Threadcraft, Jr. (Alma), and a host of other relatives and many friends. Mr. Messer was predeceased by his parents, William and Ruth Esther Lockett Messer; sisters, Yvonne Messer Jones, his father and mother in law, Milton and Creola Evelyn Hodge Threadcraft, Sr.; and sisters, Willie Mae Oliver, Ella George, Yvonne Messer Jones, Valease Messer, and Mildretta Messer. The wake will be held at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street on Friday, June 8, 2007, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Entombment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Messer requested that any expressions of comfort be made payable to "FAMU Foundation - The Quentin Messer, Sr. Endowed Scholarship Fund". Checks may be sent to P.O. Box 6562, Tallahassee, Florida 32314. For more information, please contact Mr. Kent Taylor, Associate Vice President or Ms. Audrey Simmons, Executive Assistant, FAMU Office of University Relations, Phone number: 850-599-3491. Professional services provided by HOLMES - GLOVER - SOLOMON FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC., 4334 Brentwood Avenue, Victor E. Solomon, Verna W. Ford, Rose N. Walker, and Roger D. Sears, Directors. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Jun. 7, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Quentin Messer

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Chrystal Waldrop

February 28, 2024

DARLENE, is the name my family that lived in Northwestern Middle School "neighborhood" called me, when it was called Northwestern Junior High School, a couple of my relatives are Northwestern Alumni, when it was a "Senior High School." Quentin Messer, Sr., was Principal, when I was a student there and learned how to play in the band on my Clarinet and sang the school "song" "Northwestern we love you with all our heart adore," as former Principal Messer, my mother (SAUNDRA) is an Alumni of "Stanton" Senior High School and "Florida A & M" University and they became two of my most respected role models while I was "Miss Northwestern Junior High School 198182," His son Quentin Jr, was also a student at William M Raines Senior High School along with me. When I think of "Home," I sang the song from the movie, "The Wiz" in the "Miss Northwestern" Pageant, I think of places and people that make everyday count, the investments, the risks, and, the sacrifices, that produces the end, worked for one day. This is the inspiration, Mr. Quentin Messer, Sr. was to a deeply challenged community of people who had to submit to involuntary changes after integration, while continuing to prove they could perform above their competitors, was also the next generation within his son, Quentin, Jr., a scholar. May Principal Messer records always show the asset he is to all whose respect, restraint, and responsibility engage their duty, under every circumstance, everyday. "He that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God," excerpt from The Revelation of St. John the Divine," KJV HOLY BIBLE:
Chrystal Waldrop
MISS NORTHWESTERN198182
MISSRAINES1985
MISSUHURU198990
MISSMIAMI1991
MISSHOWARD.EDU

LaTanya

June 17, 2007

TO THE MESSER FAMILY
I REMEBER MR.MESSER BACK WHEN I WENT TO PAXON MIDDLE AND HE WOULD SATND IN THE HALLWAY AND WAVE AT US AS WE RAN TO CLASS. I HAVE SOME GREAT MEMORIES AT PAXON AND HE IS APART OF THEM. AMY GOD BLESS YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW

Walter & Elizabeth Byars

June 14, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Gerald Lumpkin

June 14, 2007

To the Messer Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of loss. Your father is a great man and I am glad that I was priviledged to be his student. He was the prinicpal at Northwestern Junior High School and when I was selected as "Student of the Quarter" in the beginning of my 9th grade year, I got to know Mr. Messer a lot better and I realized how much he truly loved the school as well as the student body.

I hope that you all take comfort in knowing that Mr. Messer was able to do what a lot of educators strive all of their lives to do. He left his fingerprints in the hearts and souls of a lot of children throughout the city of Jacksonville and for that, we have become better people.

May the Peace of God be with you.

Peace and Blessings

Allen Nash

June 11, 2007

To Myra and the Rest of the Messer family. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. I knew Quentin as one of the original good guys from the old neighborhood of North and Laura Streets. I followed and was inspired by his life-long record of achievements.

CHIEF ALLEN F. NASH
OCALA, FL.

Edwin A. Bethea

June 10, 2007

To the Messer family - You are in my thoughts and prayers. During this time, may sweet memories fill your heart. May time be your friend and give you comfort.
Quentin and I were Senior Army ROTC classmates at FAMU, class of 1960.

Colonel(Ret)Robert Woolfork, FAMU '62

June 10, 2007

MESSER FAMILY
My condolence on the death of my comrade in arms, Quentin Messer, Sr. We were FAMU Rattlers together, members of the FAMU ROTC, commisioned officers and members of the last military unit before he retired, 3391st USARFSCH. Quentin was a special person and an outstanding officer. Just remember, that it is in death that we and our loved ones are born to eternal life with GOD. Quentin is only as dead as our failure to remember him. My prayers are for GOD's comfort,healing, peace and strength for your family in the days ahead.

Yolando Brown Coley

June 9, 2007

Mr. Messer was my 9th grade homework teacher and Civic Teacher (Raines c/o 69), when a tragedy came upon me and family. Mr. Messer didn't just call, or send a card, he came to my home and personally offer his condolence and assistance. I have never forgotten that act of kindness and I never will. God always have an angel standing by for you, Mr. Messer was one of mine. May God send your family many more angels to help you though this hour of saddness.

Tegjula Burt

June 9, 2007

To the Messer family - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during the time of your loss. I pray that the loving memories of Mr. Messer will provide you joy during your time of sorrow.

Ann Witherspoon-Favors

June 9, 2007

To the family of Quentin Messer Sr.,

I had the privilege of being a student under leadership as Vice-Principal at William M. Raines (c/o 74') and can recall his inscription in my yearbook as 'Miss Raines" - It was unanticipated and several years later, that I was provided yet another opportunity to function under his tutelage -- as a counselor/educator hired to develop an alternative education program for elementary-aged students in Duval County Public Schools. Interestingly enough, Mr. Messer's relationship of mentor/mentee with my brother (Thomas Witherspoon), has continued to keep him connected to our family on some level and close in spirit.

May God grant you comfort, peace and strength as you adapt to this inevitable change in your lives. It is our human tendency to attempt to deconstruct and try to figure out why what we may perceive as a tragedy occurs, or view such as ad nauseam. However, "HE" states in his WORD ... "My GRACE is Sufficient, for thee"[2 Corinthian 12:9]. Please know, our prayers remain fervent.

Ann Witherspoon-Favors & Lester Favors,Thomas and Edith Witherspoon

Jennifer Sugar

June 9, 2007

To Quentin and family,
I'm am sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Messer was a person that played a major role in my youth. Thank-you for sharing him with the many youth that came to know him as an educator.
I also know how it feels right now, I have been there before, with the loss of my father, remember to pray and keep the rest of your family close. In you your father lives on.

Eric Daniel Johnson

June 9, 2007

To the family of my friend Quentin Messer, I know that God will keep you in His very special care. Mr. Messer served as my mentor at Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School and was instrumental in helping to start one of the nations most successful after school programs. Mr. Messer would bless your vision and allow you to do what you needed to do to get the job done. My friend I will miss your smile and your kind words but I will never forget the impact that God allowed you to have in my life and my success towards working with the youth and families of Jacksonville, Florida.

Odella Anderson

June 9, 2007

My prayers are with the Messer's family for strength to endure the pain of the loss of their love one. I knew Mr. Messer as a great educator (Raines) and a wonderful church member (Bethel Baptist Instit.). He will be missed by all of us.
God will provide the family with all your needs.

Altamease Muller-Hill

June 8, 2007

To the Family of Quentin Messer:
I was sorry to hear of your loss. Many thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. May God continue to bless, comfort, and strengthen you during this time of breavement. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Altamease Muller
Stanton Class of 1956

Barbara Reddick

June 8, 2007

Messer Family,
May the Lord comfort you.Just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Kenneth and Barbara Reddick

Ann and Rodney Hurst

June 8, 2007

We all take comfort in knowing that our brother is resting safely in the arms of Jesus and pain is no more. May God's peace surround each of you during this difficult time.

Jack L. Caynon

June 8, 2007

May our God give peace and comfort to Col. Messer's loving family during this sorrowful time.

Janice Green-Harris Raines Class of 6T9

June 8, 2007

To the Messer Family

I had the privilge of being taught by Mr. Messer at the time of his life when he was teaching Geography at Raines, the first four year class which graduated in 6T9. He was always mild mannered and soft spoken with his students. Thanks for sharing him with us. Let God now reward this good and faithful servant, well done, well done. Be blessed, his humbleness and motivation to his students will and did not go null and void.

Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel Stanfield

June 8, 2007

Our Condolences to The Messer Family

Rev. G. Vincent Lewis

June 8, 2007

To the Messer,

I remember with fondness the significant life of Mr. Messer and the positive impact he had on my life as a student at William M. Raines class of 1969. Additionally, I recall him living in the same neighborhood on North Street and as a member of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church. Praise God for a servant whose work will live on until eternity! Family let's trust the God who gave him to us to provide grace that is sufficient for all of our needs.

Rev. G. Vincent Lewis, Miami, Florida

Janice Kitt-Donald

June 8, 2007

To the Family of Mr. Messer, may God give you Peace and Understanding during this hour of bereavement. He was a honorable and a blessed leader of all.

Beverly Thomas

June 8, 2007

God's peace and mercy be with the Messer Family at this time. Rejoice and be glad for he is with the Lord.
Beverly Gilbert Thomas, Class of 69

Gayle Kanak

June 8, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

COLONEL RAY HOLMES

June 8, 2007

To Delano, Myra, Bettie and the Family of LTC Quentin Messer:
I am sadden to hear of the passing of my friend, mentor, fellow officer, and Scabbard & Blade brother, Quentin. There was always something special about Quentin that made him stand out among us. He was a quiet leader and his example made us all want to follow. I didn't give him his flowers and accolades while he lived but I did follow him. We didn't talk about how he inspired me, I just followed in his path. Quentin played the trombone and I did too. He was an outstanding Advanced ROTC Cadet at FAMU and again I followed in his steps. I followed Quentin in getting commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Army and it was he who motivated and encouraged me to continue my career in the Army Reserve. We taught school together for a short time and he and another mentor encouraged me go to graduate school. I listened to Quentin probably because he lived what he preached. I will miss him...

Angela Curry Witherspoon

June 7, 2007

Mr.Messer was my principal at Northwestern Jr. High.Even as a child I knew he was a humble man. He seemed to really respect and care about us and wanted us to do our best. Quentin,Jr I know you may not remember me,but I'm a graduate of the class of'86,Raines Highschool.I know its tough right now.I too lost my father five years ago.While I cry sometimes I've learned to give God praise for my father being in my life and teaching me great things.I know you will miss him but as you told us in your thankyou note to the class..he knew you loved him,and I know that you know he loved you.My friend,God WILL see you through!!Cherish the memories!
To his wife,son William, and entire family..Cast your cares on Jesus and lean on the arms of the master.My prayers are with you all.
Peace,blessings,& much love!

Shirley Jacobs James

June 7, 2007

MY LOVE AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY

Cartonya Badger (student of Northwestern Junior High 88-89)

June 7, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

James and Gloria Lockley

June 7, 2007

We are saddened by the news of your loss. Mr. Messer was a great educator. We knew him from Raines, Class of 72. Our prayers are with you for strength and peace during this difficult time. May your memories sustain and give you joy.

June 7, 2007

NOW YOU CAN BE A GREAT LEADER AND EDUCATOR IN HEAVEN...

Joseph(joe) Grant

June 7, 2007

"Quentin Messer" was,and will forever,be one of my favorite schoolmates.Messer was one of the best friends I have ever had.Q my friend,RIP.may god bless your soul,and give comfort to your family.I will miss you Q, Goodbye my friend. Joe Grant.

AL & KAREN CHESTER

June 7, 2007

May the comfort of God's love and peace be with all of you, during this period. Our GOD has yet to error. Let's find joy in knowing that Quentin Messer Sr...while here, made a tremendous impact on the lives of so many..and let's celebrate is arrival into heaven. Thank you for sharing him with us. Be blessed!!

Sarah Hill

June 7, 2007

To the family of Quentin Messer:
I was deeply saddened to read of Mr. Messer's passing. In thirty-some years of teaching, I had no other principal to compare with him. He was a fine principal and a delightful person.

E Elliott

June 7, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a great man and a great mentor. He will be missed.

Clyde & Barbara Lockley

June 7, 2007

Losing a love one can cause a lonliness unlike any other we can ever experience. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your time of sorrow. God will give you strength to bear this loss.

June 7, 2007

Remember God is to wise to make a mistake and earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. May God be with the family; Lenora Legree Class of 69 William M. Raines High School

Beverly Taylor

June 7, 2007

Del, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time. I know that the grace of God will sustain you and yours. We love you.
Beverly and Taylor

Min. Rosalind Carter

June 6, 2007

The Messer Family:

Christ has no hands, but our hands to do His work today; He has no feet but our feet to lead men in His way; He has no tongue but our tongue to tell men how He died; He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.

Well done Mr.Messer, you were a good and faithful soldier.

Family, may you find strength in the love of God during your hour of breavement.

Min. Rosalind K. Carter
Bethel Baptist Institutional Church

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