Linda Kay (Mitchell) Wellings, age 78, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, at Heritage House at Paris Rehab & Nursing in Paris, Texas.
She was born on November 11, 1947, in Wheeling, West Virginia, the daughter of the late John Archibald and Gwendolyn Mae Braun Mitchell. On August 13, 1967, she married the love of her life, William Wellings III, who preceded her in death on July 6, 2012.
Linda is survived by her two devoted daughters, Deborah Sweda and husband Ronald of Trinity, AL, and Christy Benson and husband Stephen of Paris, TX; two cherished granddaughters, Lily Bond Cooper and husband Garrett of New Orleans, LA, and Kiersten Benson of Paris, TX; two brothers, Mark Mitchell and wife Susan of Clearwater, FL, and Ronald Mitchell of Wellsburg, WV; sister-in-law Melanie Mitchell; and many treasured nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, John “Jackie” Mitchell.
To know Linda was to know pure love. Rooted deeply in her faith as a Child of God, she moved through the world with grace, warmth, and an infectious joy—whether exploring new places with her family or laughing alongside her Bible study circle.
The proud daughter of a coal miner, Linda paired that gentle spirit with extraordinary purpose and dedication. Over nearly four decades at the helm of MPL Corporation, she blazed trails across the state, making history as the first female chairperson of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
A fierce champion for small businesses, her tireless service earned her both the Distinguished West Virginian and Athena Awards. Her leadership extended widely across her community, notably as chair of the Freedom Bank Board of Directors, a trustee for West Virginia Wesleyan College, and an active voice on countless civic boards.
Linda taught all who knew her to love deeply, live fully, and walk faithfully. She is home now, wrapped in God’s eternal peace.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life service will be held on December 30, 2026, in Buckhannon, WV.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Buckhannon, West Virginia, or to Chambers Hospice of Paris, Texas.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. — Matthew 5:8
