Big Stone Gap, VA- Jean Evelyn (Taylor) Messer was called home in the early morning of July 2, 2026 after 90 years of life.
She was a woman of incredible faith and practiced her faith daily. She was a quiet woman with a great sense of humor and often joked with her family. Jean devoted her life to God and her family. She loved to cook and can. She was an avid gardener and took great pride in taking care of the flowers around her home.
Jean was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband James “Jim” Conley Messer; a son Rocky Alan Messer; Her parents Glen and Myrtle Taylor; two brothers Robert Taylor and Donald Taylor
Jean is survived by her son Steve Messer and husband, Calvin Lockwood, of Greenville, SC; a daughter Lori Gilliam and husband, Martin Gilliam, of Big Stone Gap, VA; two granddaughters Allison Gilliam of Big Stone Gap, VA and Ashley Messer of Bristol; grandson Michael Messer and wife Marie of Church Hill, TN; two great grandsons Michael Messer, Jr of Maryland and Maverick Messer of Bristol; and a brother Dale Taylor and wife Ruble; Duffield, VA; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.
Jean requested no memorial or church service. Family and friends are asked to meet on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W., Big Stone Gap, VA, by 10:30am to go in procession to Powell Valley Memorial Gardens for a graveside song and prayer.
Memorial donations may be made to the Southwest Virginia Cancer Center, 671 Hwy 58E, Norton, VA 24273.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Messer family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.