Barbara Skinner Messersmith

Barbara Skinner Messersmith, of Asheville, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at her home. She was born in Dunedin, Florida and was the daughter of the late Frances Lee Skinner and Susan Brumby Skinner. Barbara attended the College of William and Mary and remained active in the Phi Beta Kappa Sorority. She maintained life long friendships from her childhood in Florida. Barbara was a talented homemaker, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. Always dedicated to serving in the communities in which she lived, she was a volunteer for Asheville Habitat for Humanity and an usher in several community theaters. She is survived by her sister, Marianne Galloway of Lynchburg, Va; two daughters, Cathie Cummins of Centreville, Va and Laura Clayton of Quincy, Fl; three step-daughters, Jean Bryan, Carol Kafka and Judy Wargo; step-son, Dan Messersmith; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at the Viewpointe Subdivision Clubhouse, Pinnacle Point, Asheville, NC 28805. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 33 Meadow Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or to CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. Groce Funeral Home East Asheville on Tunnel Road is in charge of arrangements.