SMYRNA - ,Lavina Ann Messick, of Smyrna, passed away Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, in Kent General Hospital in Dover. She was 79. Mrs. Messick was born Jan. 7, 1932, in Clayton, the daughter of the late William John Smith and Effie Aldean (Morris) Smith. She was a homemaker who enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crocheting. She was an active member of the Delaware Genealogical Society and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Smyrna. She also loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she loved attending her children's sporting events, especially wrestling matches. Other interests included gardening and civic government activities. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Carles Clay Messick Jr. in 2010; two brothers, Harry E. Smith and James E. Antone; and a sister, Theresa A. Thompson. She is survived by six sons, Carles Clay Messick III and his wife Deborah, Richard Wayne Messick, Daniel Brian Messick, Sr. and his wife Patty, John Anthony Messick, Sr. and his wife Virginia, Donald Irwin Messick, Sr. and his wife Pam, and William Rodney Messick and his wife Vanessa; three daughters, Yvonne Renee Hengst and her husband Robert, Patricia Ellen Russell and her husband Steven, and Lavina Ann Slavin and her husband Andy; 28 grandchildren, including Brandy L. Mason, who was raised by her husband and herself; three step grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Jane Voss and Debbie Huff; a brother, Rhesa K. Antone; and many nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 S. Main St. Smyrna. A second viewing will be held on Monday Feb. 14, 2011 at 11 a.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 310 Clark Farm Road, Smyrna. Funeral services will begin at 12 noon. Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to American Legion Ambulance Service, 111 West Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, DE 19977. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.