×

Mary Louise James

Mary Louise James, of Parkersburg, died on Tuesday (Oct. 29, 2013) surrounded by family. Mary was born Feb. 1, 1940.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Jesse Sams; her sisters, Joanne, Daisy, and Dolly; and her brothers, Bob and David; as well as three children, Edward Faith, Jesse Ray, and her beloved daughter, Susan Lynn. She was also preceded in death on Sept. 8 by the love of her life, Laurence Park.

Mary began working at the age of 14, and worked until her retirement last October at the age of 72. Mary’s first job was a car hop at the A&W Root Beer shop. Then she became a waitress at Wade’s Inn on 16th Street in Parkersburg followed by Seddons Restaurant on Route 50. Finally, Mary worked for 10 years at Helen’s Wood County Airport Restaurant. Mary then purchased Helen’s, changing the name to Mary’s Plane View, where she worked for over 20 years. During those years her customers and co-workers became her second family. She held their new babies and grandchildren, attended weddings and celebrations, as well as mourned at many of their funerals. She asked that the family remember to express her thanks and gratitude for the many years of support and patronage from her restaurant family.

Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Mike Sellers of Belpre, daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Ursel (Bud) Marshall of Parkersburg, and her son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Diana James of Vincent, Ohio. She is also survived by her sisters, Millie, Alice, and Norma; as well as her brothers, John and Jim. Mary is also survived by her grandchildren, Jesse and Amber James, Ryan and Josh Barker, and Kacie (Barker) Taitt, Jason Matheny, and Kelli (Matheny) Cayton; as well as three stepgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thanks is sent to all of the family members who have been visiting and helping care for Mary over the last two months. She appreciated every moment of their time and every smile she received.

Mary mostly enjoyed her time spent with family. She was extremely competitive at corn hole, loved watching football, and treasured family game nights. She was a very special individual who would talk candidly on any subject, was forgiving and loving, yet had firm expectations for her children and grandchildren. She had a unique sense of humor and could always find the good in everyone. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and customers. Heaven is now embracing their newest angel.

Services will be held at Leavitt Funeral Home of Parkersburg Friday (Nov. 1) at 1 p.m. Visitation will be held on Thursday (Oct. 31) from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mary’s burial will be at the Lubeck Cemetery near her mother and daughter. Monetary contributions may be made in lieu of flowers at Williamstown Bank.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leavittfuneralhome.com