Joyce Ann Messenger, who was born August 7, 1931 in Lansing, Michigan, to Clarence T. and Virginia Dee (Burd) Messenger, died on September 14, 2015. 

Ms. Messenger was a 1949 Honor Graduate of Sexton High School, where she played softball and competitive badminton.  She received the Girls Trophy Award for Athletics.  Ms. Messenger was a member of the 1946 Flint area IMA Traveling Girls Softball Team which was the first women's team sport inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.  She tried out for the famous League of Their Own Girls Baseball Team in 1954.

Ms. Messenger received her degree, with honors, from Michigan State University in 1976. During her career she worked for the Michigan Education Association.

Ms. Messenger was an active supporter of animals and the environment. She was actively involved in matters involving the Potter Park Zoo, Capital Area Humane Society, and the World Wildlife Foundation.  She was also active in local history clubs especially those involving women's history.

Ms. Messenger was predeceased by her parents.  She is survived by her sister, Sandra Brown; nephew, Terry E. (Michelle) Brown; and grandnieces, Cassandra Brown and Lexie Brown.

No funeral service was held.  It is recommended that any donations in memory of Joyce A. Messenger be given to Potter Park Zoo, Capital Area Humane Society, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.