Supporting Students Who Seek A Christian Education

Mr. and Mrs. “Preacher” Massey’s son, Edwin, graduated from high school at sixteen, graduated from Millsaps College and went on to receive his PH. D. in Marine Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg all before turning twenty-five. Realizing the expenses incurred while pursuing a college degree, the Masseys had a desire to assist and support students seeking a Christian education.

Upon the death of her husband, Mrs. Massey shared with Jane Newell, Associate Director of the Mississippi Baptist Foundation, how they heard about the stewardship opportunities available through the Mississippi Baptist Foundation. A cousin, Billy Johnson, now deceased, was pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, and directed them to contact their Mississippi Baptist Foundation.

It was the desire of the family that they give a tithe of the Life Insurance Policy left to Mrs. Massey after Preacher Massey died. Jane Newell stated, "Therefore, not only are they assisting and encouraging students who will be our future ministers in Mississippi and around the world, they are also extending the memory of their loved one, "Preacher" Massey, until the Lord returns.”

The "Curtis Aven ('Preacher') Massey Memorial Scholarship Fund" was established August 20, 1987, by his wife, Mrs. C.A. (Rachel) Shows Massey, and his children Mrs. Andrea Massey Bush, and Dr. Edwin R. Massey. The interest on the fund is used for student scholarships at our Mississippi Baptist colleges or at a Southern Baptist Convention supported Seminary.

Their daughter, Mrs. Andrea Massey Bush, lives in Pearl, Mississippi, and their son, Dr. Edwin Massey, is President of Indian River Community College, Ft. Pierce, Florida, and lives in Vero Beach. They have six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Mr. & Mrs. Massey were members of Wildwood Baptist Church, Laurel. Mrs. Massey was a W.M.U member., Director of G.A.'s and Acteens, and taught Sunday School for over twenty years. After moving to Pearl, she was an active member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church, Pearl. Mrs. Massey presently resides at Peach Tree Village, an Assisted Living Home, in Brandon Mississippi.