Mattie Ruth Messer Harrison
After joyously celebrating her 100th birthday in January, Mattie Ruth Messer Harrison received her angel wings on Monday, June 23, 2014. Mattie was born January 13, 1914 in Samson, Alabama to Gabe and Versie Messer. She lived and worked on a farm with her 5 brothers and 2 sisters. In 1940 she married Alton A. (Bud) Harrison, and in 1948 moved to Jay, Florida, where they became active members of the community. She was a full time homemaker, and spent most of her time volunteering at Jay Hospital, working in her church, teaching Sunday school, acting as church clerk for many years, and enjoying being a member of the Jolly Jays. Mattie served as the site manager for sixty plus meal site, and spent many hours taking the elderly to doctors’ appointments, etc. She inspired many with her active and healthy lifestyle. After her husband’s death in 2004, she resided with her daughter for 51/2 years. At the time of her death she was a resident of the Terrace at Ivey Acres in Jay. Mattie was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and two sisters, and her loving husband of 64 years. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, two children, Marolyn (Julius) Middleton, of Jay, and Kerry Alton Harrison (Beverly) of Tifton, Georgia; two grandchildren she adored, Jon (J.J.) (Michelle) Middleton of Pace, Florida and Jennifer (Jimmy) Warren of Fairhope, Alabama, and her four great-grandchildren, Chloe and Crosby Warren, and Marlee and McClain Middleton. She is also survived by three special nieces, Miriam McKinney, Blondell Barberi, and Geraldine Samartano, along with many other nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mrs. Harrison will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Jay with the Reverends’ Chip Fox and Frederick Barrow officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives from 2:00-3:00 pm Thursday preceding the service. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Terrace of Ivey Acres for spoiling her, and to Dr. C. David Smith, NP Twyla Cotton, and Toddie Milstead and the staff at Jay Medical for taking such good care of her. If desired, donations in her honor may be made to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home or to the Sanctuary Fund of First Baptist Church in Jay.
