Mary Lou Lakin

On March 17, 2025, Mary Lou Lakin, 89, longtime resident of Huntington, WV, and most recently Madison Park Healthcare, passed into eternal rest after an extended illness. Mary Lou was born on March 12, 1936, to Wyonidas “Wye” and Armella “Mellie” Peck Wellman in Louisa, Ky. Mary Lou was raised in Fort Gay, WV and graduated from Fort Gay High School. Mary Lou was an outgoing student, had many childhood friends, and cheered on the Vikings as a member of the cheerleading squad.

After graduating, Mary Lou briefly attended Marshall University and subsequently joined her older sister, Betty Higginbotham, in Titusville, Florida, where she was employed at the Cape Canaveral Space Center. In 1958, Mary Lou married her high school sweetheart, Larry Pelfrey, and had many happy years until his death in 1987. After working as a Kindergarten aide at Fort Gay Elementary School, with her husband’s loving encouragement, Mary Lou returned to Marshall University, earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Mary Lou taught for many years at Cammack Elementary School, where her passion for education enabled her to nurture and mentor countless students. She also served as the school’s Fire Patrol Safety Coordinator. In 1994, Mary Lou married Lawrence Lakin, and their union brought many, many happy years with their extended families and loving grandchildren. Mary Lou possessed a boundless spirit, unwavering faith and joyful demeanor and served her family and community with these gifts. She was a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, participating in the choir, Women’s Circle and the Fellowship Sunday School class. She also accompanied FAB on a mission trip to Nicaragua and regularly volunteered at Cridlin Pantry. Mary Lou was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Sorority, and the Marshall University Alumni Foundation. Mary Lou and Lawrence especially enjoyed traveling, attending Marshall football games, and cherished the many get-togethers with close and extended family. Mary Lou also travelled abroad while visiting her daughter and son-in-law. She especially loved Switzerland, Finland and Turkey, with its Aegean coast and ancient ruins of Ephesus.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Larry Pelfrey, husband Lawrence Lakin, stepson Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lakin of Charleston, WV, sisters Dorothy Perry, of Orlando, FL, Betty Jean Higginbotham of Astor, FL, Margaret Michael of Huntington; brother Joe Wellman of Fort Gay, and son Larry M. Pelfrey of Huntington. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Lynn Kearns (John) of Oak Hill, VA, daughter-in-law Teresa Pelfrey of Huntington, stepdaughter Patti Lakin Smith (Ted) of Huntington; stepson Rick Lakin (Kaye), of Ashland, KY, and grandchildren Andrew Lakin of Lexington, KY, Andrew Pelfrey (Katie) of Charlotte, NC; Jack (Sarah) Kearns of Alexandria, VA, Tyler Pelfrey of Columbus, OH, Bradley Kearns of Ft. Novosel, AL, Caroline Kearns of Oak Hill, VA, Kathryn Lakin of Boston, MA; and great-grandchildren Leo Pelfrey and Briar Pelfrey, also of Charlotte, NC. She is additionally survived by her loving nieces and nephews, whom she also deeply cherished. The family of Mary Lou Lakin would especially like to thank Dr. Marc Workman and the dedicated staff at Madison Park Healthcare for their dedicated care during her extended illness. Donations in her memory may be given to the following charitable organizations: Cridlin Pantry (cridlinpantry.org) of Huntington, or Hospice of Huntington (hospiceofhuntington.org). Friends and family will be received at Reger Funeral Home on Saturday, March 22, from 6-8 pm. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, March 23, at 2:30 pm at the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church Chapel. Burial will follow at Ferguson Cemetery in Fort Gay, WV.