November 11, 1932 – June 2, 2023
Miriam Joan Crossland Messer, 90, passed away on June 2, 2023 at her home in Gilbert, Arizona. Joan, as she was known by her family and friends, was born on November 11, 1932 in Lamesa, Texas, the daughter of Aaron Curtis Crossland Sr and Huldah Mae Crossland.
Joan moved with her family to Claypool, AZ in 1936 and then to Illinois in 1942. In 1950 she moved back to Ray, AZ where she graduated from Ray High School in 1951. Joan was a cook at the Ray Hospital for over 30 years before retiring in 1986. Joan married the love of her life, Calvin E. Messer, in July of 1958. Joan and Calvin remained in Kearny, AZ until moving to Chandler, AZ in 1987 to be closer to family. Calvin passed away in July 2005 leaving them just shy of celebrating 47 years of marriage on earth.
Joan was a dedicated and loving matriarchal figure to all her family and friends. Her arms and doors were always open for anyone. She welcomed everyone into her home and always treated them as family. Her love for life, heart of gold, and beautiful soul were cherished by everyone she encountered. Joan was always the life of any party and always relished being around her family. Her heart wasn’t full until she prepared you a delicious meal complete with dessert.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin, daughter Delores, son Danny and her 3 brothers, Aaron Jr, Paul and Lloyd.
Joan is survived by her 2 daughters, Diana Stephens and Deborah Fields (Randy), 2 sons, David Messer (Vera) and Derrick Messer (Yvonne), 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren, 1 sister, Glendora Rives, and many nieces and nephews.
The memorial service will be held at the Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St, Mesa, AZ on Wednesday July 5th at 10:00am
