J. Mearle Vail

J. Mearle Vail passed away on July 24th at the age of 84.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years on June 30, 2021.

Mearle enjoyed her home on Hemphill and took great pleasure in gardening, canning, and cooking.  She was a skilled seamstress and a prolific crafter.  She could not only sew but could crochet anything! Above all, she adored her family.  She will be missed by her grandchildren as well as her nieces and nephews.  Mearle was the daughter of the late Jesse Rich and the late Lucy Gray Messer. She was also predeceased by her wonderful stepfather, Paul Messer whom she regarded as her father since her biological father passed when she only a baby.  Mearle was also predeceased by her three boys, Larry Messer, Michael Messer, Sr. and Lewis (Lew) Messer.  The loss of her children devastated her, and she often yearned to be with them and couldn't understand why God was making her wait so long, but He finally agreed to take her home to be with them.  Much joy, laughter, and mirth were heard in Heaven that day.

Mearle had three sisters who left this earth ahead of her, Evelyn Rich of Hickory, Janice Rich Wood of Waynesville, and Barbara Rich Sutton of Maggie Valley.  She is survived by her stepson, Craig Vail, of Metairie Louisiana; grandchildren, Jessica Messer Lee (David), Michael Messer, Jr., and Kari Miller (Dereck) all of Houston, TX.  She also left behind her step grandchildren, Amy Wood (Dean), Rachael Thomas, Jesse Thomas, and Shana Thomas Pew all of New Jersey as well as several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for both Mearle and Ed is scheduled for October 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at Dellwood Baptist Church.

The care of Mrs. Vail has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.