Brenda Jo Wilmoth, age 73, a resident of Belington, departed this life May 23, 2025, at Mon General Hospital, following a period of declining health.
She was born August 21, 1951, a daughter of the late Raymond Lee Wilmoth and Kathleen Jane Wilmoth, who survives. In 1977, Brenda graduated from Fairmont State College with a double major in sociology and history. After a short period of helping her father at his Dodge dealership in Belington, she joined the Senior Companion program as a part-time field coordinator.
In December 1980 Brenda became director of the Barbour County Senior Center, a position she enjoyed with kindness, dedication and compassion for nearly 36 years, retiring on August 1, 2016.
Brenda was given the “Woman of the Year” award in 1998 by the Barbour County Chamber of Commerce, and in 2003 she received West Virginia Division of Public Transit’s “Outstanding Transit Manager” award due to the Here & There Transit system receiving a grant from the West Virginia Division of Public Transit in 2000 to begin providing general public transportation service to residents of Barbour County.
She also received the West Virginia Division of Public Transit’s “Good Neighbor” award in 2007 and a 2010 Certificate of Merit for commitment to improving the lives of children and families of Barbour County. In 2015 she was awarded the “Gene Salem Award” presented by the West Virginia Directors of Senior and Community Services, which is given each year to someone who has demonstrated selflessness, exhibited a long-term commitment to service and the betterment of the aging network and who has had a significant impact on the lives of senior citizens.
Brenda approached everything with unwavering determination and always went the extra mile. She was very involved in the Barbour County community, and served on the boards of various organizations throughout her life. She was a true inspiration to others.
In addition to her mother, Kathleen Jane Wilmoth, those left to cherish Brenda’s memory are her sisters Cheryl Wilmoth Taylor and husband James of Belington, and Denise Wilmoth Stalnaker and husband Charlie of Weston, and her brother Kenny Wilmoth and wife Cassie of Belington.
Her nephews include Travis Taylor (Sarah) of Charleston, Derek Taylor (Carla) of Philippi, Frank Stalnaker of Salem, VA, Jared Wilmoth (Madhumati) of Olney, MD, and Drew Wilmoth (Heather) of Philippi; nieces Becky Stalnaker of Weston, and Emily Moss (Austin) of Belington; several great-nieces and nephews and cousins, all of whom she so very dearly loved, as well as her special bonus sisters Mary Francis (Lipscomb) Poling, Shelia (Wilmoth) Sheets, and Pam (Harris) Wilder.
Brenda’s wishes of cremation will be honored and a private graveyard service will be held, with Brenda’s great-nephew, Landon Wilmoth, as the special speaker.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Barbour County Senior Center, 47 Church St., Philippi, WV 26416, or the Love Like Keaton Foundation, c/o Holly McDermott, 577 4H Camp Road, Philippi, WV 26416.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wrightfuneralhomeservices.com.
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