Tamala Jean (Crapps) Johnson Messer

Tamala Jean Messer passed away peacefully on May 24, 2023, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 67, following a lengthy illness. She lived with her husband in Dothan, Alabama at the time of her death. A loving, generous, and adventurous soul, she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Born on May 18, 1956, in Miami, Florida, Tamala was the daughter of Harold Crapps and Betty Jean Crapps. She had a unique childhood, moving across the country as a marine brat, making friends from all over the world, and creating lasting memories. Some of her fondest experiences include swimming in the ocean at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, and taking horseback riding lessons with her sisters and mother at Camp Lejeune. Eventually, the family settled down in Fort Gaines, Georgia, where Tamala completed high school.

Tamala attended Andrew College and went on to work as a secretary and bookkeeper throughout her lifetime. She was well-known for her exceptional southern cooking and her love for babies. Talented in various crafts, Tamala was also a skilled seamstress, and she enjoyed fishing with her husband Randy and spending time in the ocean at Mexico Beach. In her later years, she found comfort in watching lighthearted television shows and especially cherished her "preaching" programs. Tamala took great joy in seeing photos and videos of her beloved grandchildren.

Tamala was preceded in death by her father Harold Crapps, her mother Betty Crapps, and her sister Brenda Williams. She is survived by her loving husband Randy Messer, her sister Carmen Wetherby, and her four daughters Acia Middleton (Michael) of Blakely, GA, Taryon Crawford of Pensacola, FL, Sarah Gunter (Robert) of Clinton, TN, and Anna Slay (Kevin) of Headland, AL. Tamala was also a proud stepmother to two stepsons, Adam Messer (Krista) and Josh Messer. Her memory will live on through her grandchildren Max, Macy, Madiya, Ian, Makenzie, Norah, Sophia, Brynlee, and Traveler, as well as several nieces, nephews, and her best friend, Susan Edwards of Eufaula, AL.

Tamala's generous spirit and adventurous nature will be remembered fondly by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in her honor can be donated to your home church.
 

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