Mary Violet Messer

Mary Violet Messer, 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 13, 1943, to John and Icie Bell Grindstaff in Robbinsville, North Carolina, Violet lived a life marked by creativity, care, and quiet strength.

For many years, Violet worked as a dedicated seamstress for American Uniform, where her skill and precision shone through in every stitch. Her love for creating extended far beyond her work—she enjoyed sewing, crafting, painting, and drawing, and she expressed her creativity in countless beautiful ways.

Violet found great joy in the outdoors. Whether she was planting flowers, sitting on the porch watching the animals, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, she embraced the peacefulness of country life. A true farm girl at heart, she was also known to be an impressively good shot.

When indoors, Violet could most often be found in the kitchen. She was an exceptional cook who prepared delicious holiday meals and homemade pies that her family will long remember. She also enjoyed canning foods, continuing traditions that brought comfort and togetherness to those she loved.

Quiet, reserved, and a bit of a homebody, Violet nonetheless had a heart full of generosity. She was the steady caregiver of her family and a source of unwavering love and support. To those who knew her, she was an amazing grandmother, wife, and mother—gentle, devoted, and deeply cherished.

Violet is preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 plus years, Oliver Richard Messer; beloved parents, John Porter Grindstaff and Icie Bell Rich Grindstaff; daughter, Kathy Pullium; brothers, Melvin Grindstaff and Claude Grindstaff of Ohio; and sister, Shirley Grindstaff.

Left to cherish her memory, Violet is survived by her son, Richard Messer (Cindy) of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Ashley Hyde (Jacob) of Robbinsville, NC, and Jonathan Richard Messer (Anna) of Louisville, KY; great-grandson, Asher Hyde; brothers, Richard Grindstaff and Marvin Grindstaff; several nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and close friends.

Violet’s legacy lives on in the memories she created, the skills she passed down, and the love she poured into her family. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.