Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Ms. Jeannette Hamby, 81, of Beckley, WV passed Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

Born in Sabine, WV in April of 1943 to the late William Franklyn and Cleola Minnie Hamby.

Jeannette was the third of nine siblings, with general consensus holding her to be the most outspoken personality in her tribe. Jeannette was the mother of three children, fourteen grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and de facto mother to many others. She graduated from Stratton High School, where she completed a course in Commercial Foods, and along with her grandmother’s tutelage, Jeannette proved to be a culinary genius of distinct repute. She carved out a prolific career as a premiere dietician for Pinecrest and Jackie Withrow Hospitals.

Jeannette relished reading, bowling, cooking, and game shows. Never lacking a smile, she candidly conveyed her beliefs and opinions unreservedly and unapologetically. Although typically stern and direct, her tireless aim was the betterment of everyone she touched, from family and friends to her affectionate Manor House community, among whom she was unofficially elected “mayor.”

Jeannette, although reclusive by nature, kept her finger on the pulse of her widely dispersed bloodline, and could readily articulate each loved one’s status and progress in real time. Her empathy knew no bounds and her exhortations were equally emphatic. To the misguided she applied both scalpel and stitches, cutting with truth but stitching with love.

Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents, William and Cleola Hamby, a son, Rodney Wagner, five siblings, Ronald (Barbara) Hamby, Jimmy Hamby, Delia (Robert) Blaney, Roger (Brenda) Hamby, Katrina Hamby, and nephew, Darien Miguel Blaney.

Jeannette is survived by two sons, Hairston Dwayne (Berrie) Hamby and Michael Shane Wagner; three siblings, Audrey Marie (Willie) Johnson, Pastor William Gordon (Evangelist Wanda) Hamby, and Patricia (Leroy) Sorrell; along with fourteen grandchildren; several great-grands, and a plethora of extended family.

Jeannette was staunch in her Christian faith and well-versed in her Bible, often quoting scripture as the basis for her values, while encouraging everyone to, “Take the Lord with you everywhere you go.” Her inimitable persona will be dearly missed and forever cherished.

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some - 1 Corinthians 9:22 KJV

Services will be private.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.