Dorleen B. (Betts) Messick

BRIDGEVILLE – Dorleen Betts Messick, age 71, passed away on August 31, 2026, at home in Bridgeville, Delaware.

Dorleen was born on April 30, 1955 in Milford, Delaware, and grew up in Georgetown, where she graduated from Sussex Central High School in 1973. She graduated from Milford Hospital School of Nursing in 1976 as a Registered Nurse.

Upon graduation, Dorleen pursued a 35-year career as a Registered Nurse at Milford Memorial Hospital (Bay Health). She was known for her dedicated work ethic and compassion for her patients. She resided in Seaford, Delaware (1978-1994), after which time she moved to Bridgeville, Delaware.

Dorleen was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and a member for many years of the First Baptist Church of Seaford. She played piano for many years at several area churches, and volunteered at Delaware Read-A-Loud, and the Sussex Pregnancy Care Center. Her life was characterized by quiet service to God and to family and friends.

Dorleen is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) Messick, three brothers, David Betts, Dennis (Amy) Betts and Dan Betts, and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father William C. Betts and her mother Doris R. Betts.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market Street, Georgetown, Del, where a time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 12:30pm. Burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Millsboro will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to your choice of two ministries that were dear to Dorleen’s heart: First Baptist Church of Seaford, PO Box 1437, Seaford, De 19973, please note donation for Missions; or Sussex Pregnancy Center, 5 Burger King Drive, Georgetown, De 19947.