Muriel Ann Messick Millar
Muriel Ann Messick Millar, 62, a native of Poquoson, Virginia and resident of Newport News passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in the loving care of her family and close friends. Muriel was born to John Thomas and JoAnne L’Herault Messick and grew up in Poquoson, a place she considered home and where she enjoyed numerous life-long friendships. She spent many years active in Bull Island youth and high school sports and activities as a participant and volunteer and later as a scorekeeper for the Virginia Duals. An Accountant and Financial Controller, Muriel thrived in government contracting, private industry and nonprofit organizations. She concluded her career as Chief Operating Officer of Fear 2 Freedom, whose mission she found so meaningful. Muriel was a charter and active member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic community in York County. Muriel was a distinguished graduate of Christopher Newport College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1988. She was a proud CNU “Captain for Life”, serving on both the Alumni Society Board as Treasurer and on the board of the Peninsula Alumni Chapter for nearly two decades. Muriel was a champion for CNU students, passionately cheered for Captains athletics and enthusiastically applauded CNU’s performing and fine arts programs. She was a member of the CNU Theater Guild, the Encore Society and the Captains Crew, each of which she greatly enjoyed. She volunteered at CNU’s Lifelong Learning Society and co-chaired the CNU Alumni Golf Tournament which annually raises thousands of dollars for student scholarships and community support.
Muriel and her husband Scott so enjoyed their time together and the deep and abiding love they held for each other, traveling, attending sporting events, dining with friends, remodeling their home and celebrating holidays and special events with family. Muriel cared deeply for others and held a special place in her heart for her family, especially her nieces and nephews and their children whom she loved and treated as her own. She enjoyed sewing / quilting, gardening, cooking, sports, country music, computer games and spending time with family and friends.
Muriel was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jerry Messick, step-sister Sharon Johnson and nephew Colin Messick.
She is survived by her loving husband N. Scott Millar, brothers Tom (Gretchen) Messick and Craig (Debbie) Messick, sister Mary Kay (Bill) Widhelm, sister-in-law Barbara Messick, step brother-in-law Archie Johnson, 11 nieces and nephews, 12 great nieces and nephews and so many other family and friends. With much gratitude we thank Kathy & Bill Bowman, Patty & David Smith, Anne Marie & Treven Baker, Pete Smith, as well as many additional friends and our CNU & Canon families. A funeral mass will be conducted on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 3:00 PM in the Pope Chapel on the campus of Christopher Newport University. Immediately following the funeral mass, a time of reflection, visitation and a reception will be held in the Millar Celebration Hall at the Gregory P. Klick Alumni House on campus. Interment will be at 1:00 PM Friday, March 24, 2023, at Peninsula Memorial Park.
Memorials may be directed to the “Millar / Messick Endowed Scholarship” at Christopher Newport University, c/o University Advancement. Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home. Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.