Marlene Harrah

1934 - 2025

Marlene (Ashworth) Harrah, Edith Marlene Harrah 91, of Conway, SC and formerly of Teays Valley, WV went Home to be with her Lord on June 19, 2025.

She was born on January 31, 1934 to the late Kenneth "Joe" and Maude E. "Jimmy" Moses Ashworth in Charleston, WV. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, The Rev. Dr. Jerry "J.D." Harrah; infant daughter, Rebecca Lynn; infant grandson, Bryant Gregory; and a sister, Karen Scragg.

Marlene is survived by her children: Dr. Gregory Harrah (Mary) of Scott Depot, WV, Nancy Salkeld (David) of Cary, NC, and Dr. Jason Harrah (Lauren) of Conway, SC; grandchildren: Arrow Salkeld (Helen), Benjamin Salkeld (Molly Dedmond), William Nettles, Sophia Harrah and Kathryn Harrah; brother, David Ashworth (Diane); brother in-law: Charles Harrah (Peggy); and sister in-law, Dianne Harrah; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was formerly a secretary of the Presbytery of West Virginia, where she played a critical role in supporting Bluestone Conference Center in Hinton, WV. She spent countless hours helping to coordinate events at the retreat including annual Summer Camp. She was a true and fervent follower of Christ and genuinely lived her faith. She served as church secretary, was a constant presence in the choir, taught Sunday school, was an instrumental voice in the realization of Teays Manor while at TVPC, volunteered and served on the session at Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church.

After her faith, family was the cornerstone of her life, both immediate and extended. She embraced her role as mother and was an enduring presence in her children's lives. She was a kind and loving sister to her two siblings and equally loved their extended families. A special relationship was reserved for her grandchildren, to whom she witnessed grace and overwhelming love.

She loved music. Few knew that she had the opportunity as a young woman to sing professionally with a traveling gospel group, choosing instead to attend college and then start a family. She was active in Red Hats, enjoyed travel and shared her husband's love of the beach. Following the death of her husband she moved to Conway and established a new life. She embraced the offerings of her retirement community, serving on the welcoming committee, attending numerous social gatherings, regularly playing cards and Scrabble at the club house, and developed a cadre of close-knit friends with whom she socialized, shared luncheons, and played weekly Canasta.

The most remarkable thing about her was the impression she left upon all those she met. She quietly blessed everyone she met, leaving their lives better having known her. She will be terribly missed by family and friends.

Funeral Service for Marlene will be 11:00am Saturday June 28, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home Hurricane, WV with her children officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens Cross Lanes, WV.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Friday June 27, 2025 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Marlene's name to: PKD Foundation PO BOX 871847 Kansas City, MO 64187.

Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence or memory may do so by visiting Marlene's tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com

Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane, WV 25526 is honored to serve the Harrah family again.