Martha Elizabeth Messersmith

Martha Elizabeth Messersmith, age 79, died Thursday, July 6, 2023. She was born December 24, 1943, in Norfolk, VA and was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Hooten. As a young adult, she continued her 30-year Federal Civil Service career at Fort Monroe in Hampton where she met her husband, David L. Messersmith Jr. in 1970.
Martha was a woman of strong faith and convictions and she and her husband David were long-time members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hampton until it closed in 2021, after which they became members of Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Hampton.
Martha was a gracious and creative person who shared her many talents in a myriad of ways over the course of her life ranging from a month’s long mission trip to assist in the recovery of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to knitting hats for newborns and others in need. Martha was a loving wife, mother, Nana, friend, confidant, and the true light of her family.
In addition to her husband of 52 years, David, she is survived by her son Jason E. Messersmith and his wife Sarah, of Hampton; grandson Gavin H. Messersmith, of Hampton; and stepson David Scott Messersmith and his wife Kay, of Salisbury, MD. Martha was predeceased by her two brothers, William Hooten and Robert Hooten.
The family thanks Dr. Tian and her Virginia Oncology Associates staff; the Sentara Careplex doctors, nurses and staff assigned to the Emergency Room, Critical Care, and 5th Floor Cancer units; and Amanda, in particular, of the “At Home Hospice Care” unit for all they did to help Martha.
A memorial service will be held at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Hampton on Saturday, July 22 at 11 a.m. with Rector Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander and Assistant Rector Reverend Mark Riley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your chosen house of worship or to a non-profit charity of choice.