W.Va. Legislature Remembers, Honors Devoted 40 Year Employee

The West Virginia Legislature celebrated the life on Thursday of long-time public servant Marilyn Kay Parsons. 

Parsons, a Sissonville resident, died on Dec. 22, 2023, at age 74. She dedicated more than 40 years to the state of West Virginia, beginning her public service as an executive assistant to then-Gov. Arch Moore.

Parsons served in leadership roles for five minority leaders and two speakers of the House 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. Clerk of the House Steve Harrison read Concurrent House Resolution 13, honoring a beloved and dedicated public servant.  

“Marilyn Kay Parsons represented the gold standard of an effective legislative employee,” Harrison said. “And held an unsurpassed understanding of the legislative process.”

Listen to House Clerk Steve Harrison read the complete resolution for Marilyn Parsons.

Harrison went on to say Parsons’ “amazing writing and editing skills were second to none with a propensity for detail deaf to phraseology, and quick comprehension of complicated subjects that put many attorneys to shame.” 

Harrison also praised Parsons’ dedication to duty and to people.

“Marilyn would not leave the Capitol until every member she served had gone, every meeting had ended, and all unnecessary tasks had been completed,” he said. 

Harrison concluded the resolution with words of appreciation and affection.  

“It is with heartfelt gratitude and sincere sadness that the members and staff of the legislature hereby extend our thanks and affection to the family of Marilyn Kay Parsons, as we collectively mourn her loss.”

A Thursday afternoon memorial service at the State Culture Center honored Parsons.