The Senate met at 4 p.m. this afternoon to adopt HCR13, Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons.
Marilyn was on born October 20, 1949 in Sissonville, WV and passed on December 22, 2023 at Hubbard House in Charleston, WV. In between, she dedicated more than 40 years of her life to public service to the state of West Virginia.
Marilyn began her career in state government as an executive assistant to Governor Arch A. Moore Jr., and also served for a time on the Republican State Executive Committee.
However, the majority of her work life was spent in the Legislature, where she served in leadership roles for five Minority Leaders and two Speakers in the 38 years she worked for the House of Delegates. In 2021, Marilyn assumed her final leadership role for Senate President Craig Blair (R-Berkeley, 13).
Several Senators who served previously in the House of Delegates stood and gave eloquent remembrances of Marilyn. She was described as a selfless public servant that was the first to arrive in the morning and who would not leave her office until every member had departed for the day.
Marilyn had a remarkable understanding of the legislative process. Her writing and editing skills were second to none. She also possessed a quick comprehension of complicated subjects, all the while never seeking credit for these contributions to the Legislature’s work.
No job was too big or small for Marilyn. From sewing member’s clothing, to dispensing advice, or lending a kind ear to the problems of members, lobbyists, and staff alike, her personality was a breath of fresh air to all in her orbit under the Capitol dome.Â
Simply put, Marilyn was the gold-standard of legislative employee. She will be missed by all those fortunate to know her and work with her.
A memorial will be held in Marilyn’s honor tonight at 5 p.m. at the Culture Center.
The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m.
