Catherine Forbes Messick, 78, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024. She was born in Hampton on April 20, 1946. She was the daughter of Gilbert Arthur Forbes and Catherine Thomas Forbes. Her husband of 45 years, Leonard Watkins "Lenny" Messick preceded her in death. She is survived by two sons, Keith Forbes Messick and his longtime girlfriend, Elizabeth Swanson, and Leonard Craig Messick and his wife, Suzann; daughter, Kim Messick O'Conner and her husband, Jason; three granddaughters, Addison Kim Messick, Koral Marie O'Conner, and Jewel Kim O'Conner. Her brother, Bill Forbes, preceded her in death. She is survived by a sister, Sharon Diggs, and her husband Roddie; a brother, Eddie Forbes, and his wife Bev; and sisters-in-law, Nancy Forbes and Felicia Messick, and numerous nieces and nephews. Catherine was a lifetime Fox Hill resident, where she enjoyed living on Harris Creek, boating, and fishing. She was a 1964 Hampton High graduate. She enjoyed the simple things in life and was an excellent cook and gardener. She was a loving wife and caring mother to her children. Catherine was affectionately known as "Memaw" in her later years. She enjoyed singing, Bob Hope, and sharing her two cents. The family would like to give special thanks to Andrea, Nancy, Melanie, and Tricia for providing exceptional love and care to Memaw for several years. The family will greatly miss Memaw but are happy to know she is in heaven dancing alongside Lenny.

There will be a graveside service held at Clark Cemetery, 131 Beach Road, Fox Hill, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 11:00 am. A reception will follow at 123 Routten Road, Hampton, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clark Cemetery Association, ℅ Mary Lou Roaseau, 373 Emily Dickenson South, Newport News, VA 23606. Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home