HOUSE Concurrent RESOLUTION 13

(By Delegate Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker))

[On Behalf of All Members of the House]

[Introduced January 11, 2024 ]

Commemorating the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons, devoted mother, grandmother, dedicated public servant and icon of the West Virginia Legislature.

Whereas, Marilyn Kay Parsons was born on October 20, 1949, the daughter of the late Delmer C. and Edna (Rutledge) Fisher; and

Whereas, Marilyn Kay Parsons dedicated over forty years of her life to public service as an employee of the State of West Virginia and the West Virginia Legislature; and

 Whereas, Marilyn Kay Parsons began her public service as an executive assistant to Governor Arch A. Moore, where her skills soon made her a valuable member of the staff in his administration; and

Whereas, Marilyn Kay Parsons continued her public service on the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee; and

Whereas, Shortly thereafter, Marilyn Kay Parsons was hired to work for the House of Delegates under Minority Leader Larry Swann and served in a leadership role in the House of Delegates under five Minority Leaders: Larry Swann, Bob Burk, Bob Ashley, Charles Trump, and Tim Armstead; and two Speakers: Tim Armstead and Roger Hanshaw; and  

Whereas, During her thirty-eight years of service to the House of Delegates, Marilyn Kay Parsons represented the gold standard of an effective legislative employee and held an unsurpassed understanding of the legislative process.  Her amazing writing and editing skills were second to none, with a propensity for detail, deft phraseology, and quick comprehension of complicated subjects that put many attorneys to shame, all the while never seeking credit for these contributions to the Legislature's work; and  

Whereas, Marilyn Kay Parsons also assumed a host of duties which were not part of her job description.  From sewing member’s clothing, to dispensing advice, or lending a kind ear to the problems of members, lobbyists, and staff alike, Marilyn’s generous and friendly nature was always in the forefront, and her patience and kindheartedness always given; and

Whereas, In addition to her skills and patience, Marilyn Kay Parsons possessed of a strong work ethic and sense of duty. Marilyn would not leave the Capitol until every member she served had gone, every meeting had ended, and all necessary tasks had been completed; and

Whereas, In 2021, Marilyn Kay Parsons began her final leadership role, this time with the Senate, under Senate President Craig Blair, where she continued to enhance the legacy of a model public servant she had established in her tenure with the House; and

Whereas, Although her public service was a very important part of her life, Marilyn Kay Parsons reserved her greatest love for her family. Marilyn’s daughter, Kimberly, and grandchildren, Chesnee and Seth, were the shining lights of her life; and

Whereas, Sadly, Marilyn Kay Parsons passed away on December 22, 2023, ending a life that was dedicated to faith, family, and service; and

Whereas, It is fitting that the Legislature honor the life and legacy of Marilyn Kay Parsons for her many years of dedicated public service; therefore be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature hereby commemorates the life of Marilyn Kay Parsons, devoted mother, grandmother, dedicated public servant and icon of the West Virginia Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That 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; and be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare and provide a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Marilyn Kay Parsons.