Jean Mullenix Ford

Jean Mullenix Ford

Jean Mullenix Ford, of Williamstown, went home to be with the Lord on January 12, 2024.

Jean was born November 7, 1933, in Pullman, WV, to the late William O. Mullenix and Ona Wise Mullenix.

Jean graduated from Williamstown High School in 1951, and began working at City Loan in Marietta. Later, she operated Ford’s Jewelers, and, in 1990, opened Mel’s Diamond House with her husband, Mel Ford. Jean was a proud resident of both Williamstown and West Virginia. In 1990, she was elected to the Williamstown City Council, where she served until 1997. Jean was appointed acting mayor in 1996, and, in 1997, was elected the first female mayor of Williamstown. She was reelected for 11 consecutive terms. As mayor, Jean worked tirelessly for the town she loved. Her vision and passion for Williamstown and ability to bring about change improved not only the city but the lives of many. She was instrumental in bringing the Welcome Center to Williamstown, the construction of the new elementary school, roundabout, and the community swimming pool. Jean was also involved in numerous beautification projects at Tomlinson Park and throughout the city of which she was particularly proud, including the holiday lights on Highland Avenue and the nativity in the park. Jean was a member of Pine Grove Baptist church.

Jean is survived by a daughter, Laura Allen of Iowa; sister, Sarah Hall of Williamstown; sister-in-law, Rita Mullenix of Williamstown; brother, Bernard Mullenix (Linda) of Williamstown; nieces Peggy Mullenix and Kim Justice (Jay) both of Williamstown, and Stephanie Stengel (Ed) of Parkersburg; nephews Mick Mullenix (Judy), Mike Mullenix (Toni), and Jon Mullenix (Janaa), all of Williamstown; six grandchildren; and numerous grand nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished her enduring love, guidance and wisdom.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mel Ford; daughter, Shelley Poynter; son, Bob Poynter; sister, Alberta Mullenix; brothers, Arnold Mullenix, Jim Mullenix and Jack Mullenix.

Visitation will be 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Friday, January 19, at Leavitt Funeral Home, 403 7th Street, Parkersburg; and 10 – 11 am, Saturday, January 20, at First Baptist Church in Williamstown. The funeral service will follow at 11 am with Reverend David Easter presiding. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery in Williamstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Williamstown Fund for Excellence, a charitable fund of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF). Checks may be mailed to PACF, P.O. Box 1762, Parkersburg, WV 26102, with “Jean Ford” in the memo line. Donations may also be made online at www.pacfwv.com/give.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.LeavittFuneralHome.com.