Jean Messick

Jean Messick was born on February 24, 1932 to Robert and Georgia Strother in Waterproof, LA. The family later moved to Rush Springs, OK where Jean met and married Otis Messick in 1948. She and Otis moved to California in 1957. She was a devoted wife and was a stay-at-home mom for over 20 years. In 1972 Jean began a career with the Kern County Welfare Dept. as an Accounts Clerk, and in 1995 she retired as a Unit Supervisor in the Fraud Dept.

Jean and Otis formed many lasting friendships and enjoyed socializing and traveling. They were accomplished square dancers and loved a good card game. Jean was an excellent cook and talented seamstress. She especially loved to create original costumes. Jean also had a passion for music and the theater. After Otis died in 1995, Jean cultivated a network of close lady friends, and was an avid participant in many social groups including the Red Hat Society. Jean was an active and dedicated member of Valley Baptist Church, and her deep faith in God defined how she lived her life.

Jean spent her last day surrounded by her family and died peacefully in her sleep that night. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Wanda and Irma, and her husband, Otis. She is survived by her siblings, Bill, Garland, and Rob Strother, and Faye Stanhope; her children, Garry, Michael, Randall, and Tamara; 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, July 7, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon RD, Bakersfield, CA. The funeral service will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 8, 2016 in the Hillcrest Chapel, followed by a graveside service.