In Loving Memory of our Mom
Mary Frances Elmore
September 22, 1942 – September 13, 2020
Lived 77 years
Napier Cemetery · Wayne, WV
Mary Fenney Elmore was a determined and spirited woman from the moment she entered the world in 1942. Born with spina bifida, doctors told her parents she wouldn’t live past a month. But Mary defied those odds — and every challenge that followed. They said she wouldn’t reach her first birthday, but she did. They said she’d never attend school, but she not only went — she graduated from Logan High School in Logan, West Virginia, in 1960. On May 26, 1962, Mary married the love of her life, Forrest Elmore Jr. Once again, she overcame the odds when told she wouldn’t be able to have children — and went on to raise two beloved children, Rosemary (Rosie) and Forrest III (Bubby). Mary was a go-getter through and through. There was nothing she couldn’t do when she set her mind to it. She was active, generous, and known by all who met her as one of the kindest, sweetest women in the world. She had a deep and abiding love for her Lord and Savior and was a devoted member of her church. Her faith was her foundation, and her joy was found in her family. She especially loved the holidays, family gatherings, and outdoor adventures like fishing and hunting trips — always serving as the gracious hostess who made everyone feel at home. Her warmth and hospitality left a lasting impression on all. Mary was preceded in death by her dear parents, Henry and Opal (Napier) Fenney, her brothers, William (Bill) Fenney and John Fenney, whom she loved deeply. She is survived by her devoted husband, Forrest Elmore Jr.; her children, Rosie and Bubby; her cherished grandson, Zachery Elmore; and her great-grandson, Gabrial Fox. She also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends whose lives were forever changed by her love, strength, and unwavering spirit. Mary’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and unconditional love. She lived a life that defied expectations and inspired everyone around her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Life story
Mary Frances (Fenney) Elmore was born on 9-22-1942 to Henry and Opal (Napier) Fenney at Fairmont General Hospital in Fairmont, WV.
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Lifetime
The world Mary knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
1942
Born September 22
1947
Mary was 5 when Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier
1958
Mary was 16 when the Hula Hoop craze swept the country
1964
Mary was 22 when President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act
1976
Mary was 34 when America celebrated its Bicentennial
1981
Mary was 39 when MTV began broadcasting
1998
Mary was 56 when Google was founded
2004
Mary was 62 when Facebook was launched
2015
Mary was 73 when "Hamilton" opened on Broadway
2020
Passed away September 13, age 77
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