Marilyn Jean Efaw, age 92, formerly of Mannington, was called home into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on February 12, 2019 at Wishing Well Assisted Living in Fairmont, WV. She was born in Mannington on June 2, 1926, the only daughter of Okey Lee and Jessie Olive Toothman Masters.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Joyce (Larry) Christner of Fairmont, her son Larry Dale (Judy) Efaw of Morgantown, and five grandchildren, Kimberly Lynn (Tim) Stanley of Barrackville, Lt. Col. Christopher Michael (Cat) Efaw of Hawaii, Kelli Renee (Stan) Dean of Spraggs, PA, Jason Michael (Mindy) Efaw of Barrackville, and Melissa Ann (Lance) Murray of Fairmont. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Kai Joseph and Aspen Janae Murray, Kayla Linh Efaw, Gavin Michael and Aubrey Jo Efaw, Isabella Rose Stanley, and Jordan Renee and Jackson Allen Dean. Also surviving are two brothers Bernard Masters of Mannington, and Dallas Masters of Levittown, PA, and sisters-in-law Violet Masters of Fairmont and Elizabeth of Mannington, ex-daughter-in-law, Pam Efaw of Shinnston, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Efaw whom she married May 28, 1949, her brothers, Gerald (at birth), Chester and Darrell Masters, sisters-in-law Mary Jane Masters, Joann Masters, Marian Efaw, Mabel Atkinson, Nell Efaw, Mary Jane Shuman, Sally Efaw, Dean Efaw and Icie Efaw, as well as brothers-in-law, Edward Efaw, Donald Burl Efaw, James, Robert and Neil Efaw and L.B. Atkinson.
Jean played guitar and piano and she and her four brothers sang in churches, at fairs and on the radio. She had a marvelous sense of humor and a servant’s heart and was so proud of her family. She was formerly employed at McCrory’s and Decorator Industries in Mannington and Owens-Illinois in Fairmont. She and Bill lived on Dudley Fork in Mannington until they built their home in Blackshere. They owned Efaw’s Tree Farm and sold Christmas trees for nearly 50 years. She made beautiful quilts, was a lifetime member of the West Augusta Historical Society, and a nearly 50 year member of the First Baptist Church in Mannington where she sang in the choir until the age of 80. Until recently she was in charge of Sunday School class card ministry. She blessed many people with the encouraging notes she included in the cards.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to Alice Bissett and staff – Katie, Angie, Bonnie, Michelle, Deb, Angie, Gina, Doris, Diane, Gloria, John and Frank at Wishing Well Assisted Living for their loving kindness to and professional care of Mom during her stay there.
Family and friends may call at Masters Funeral Home in Mannington, WV on Sunday, February 17, 2019 from 2-8:00pm. A Celebration of Life of Jean’s life will be held in the funeral home on Monday, February 18, 2019 beginning at 11:00am with her children Larry Efaw and Linda Christner officiating. Burial will follow at the Dudley Cemetery with David Efaw officiating. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com
Condolences
Linda and family, I am sorry to hear about Jean although we know she is in a far far better place. Jean always had a smile for me and some conversation. I really enjoyed it whenever I got to sit beside her in church. That meant I would get to listen to her harmonize! She was a wonderful lady ♥️
On behalf of the Masters/Bland family reunion we send our deepest most heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Jean. She will be remembered for her kindness and beautiful voice as she shared it with us at our reunions.
I am so very sorry to hear of Jean's passing. I have wonderful, lifelong memories of her and her smile. Thinking of you and your families and sending sympathy and prayers.