Inez Marie McCormick, 79, of Vienna, WV passed away Friday, April 10th at Camden Clark Medical Center – WVU Medicine after a 7 ½ year brave battle with Stage 4 cancer. She was born on March 4, 1941, in Minford, Ohio, a daughter of the late Eldon Lowell Deemer and Ruth Lorraine (Slavens) Deemer. She was a graduate of Minford High School and Portsmouth Interstate Business College. She was an original charter member of the Rainbow Girls in Lucasville, OH. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #58 in Williamstown, WV. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Williamstown.
She married her high school sweetheart, Bill McCormick on December 10, 1960. In the early years of their marriage, Inez and Bill lived in Virginia and West Virginia. After he joined the WV Army National Guard, they lived in Texas and Alabama before returning to South Charleston, WV. In 1972, they moved to Boaz (Williamstown), WV where they would remain to raise their children.
Inez volunteered at Williamstown Elementary School in the Special Needs classroom for 7 years before starting a long and rewarding career at WXIL Radio in Parkersburg, WV. She was the Accounts Payable Manager and loved keeping up with the newest music! She helped several young people get their start in radio broadcasting, many of whom attribute their career successes to her. She was a Girl Scout Leader who truly cared about bringing confidence to young girls through camping, travel and mentoring. Additionally, she was a Boy Scout Leader, becoming a second mother to some and bringing life experiences to those who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.
She was strong in her faith in God and her life exemplified what it means to be a faithful and loving servant. She was empathetic and generous to everyone, gladly volunteering her time and sharing with those in need. Because she lived in this manner, she had no regrets. She was known to remind her family that “yesterday ended last night and tomorrow never comes – live for today.” She not only said the words, but she also lived the words. One day at a time. Today. Today she desires no tears, no sadness, for her life was full, she was at peace with her Lord. Today she rests, free of pain and desires that everyone reminisces on the good times, the happy times, the smiling faces and happy heart-filled moments that are now memories.
Inez a.k.a. “Gmaw” was extremely proud of her grandchildren, often telling stories about them or on them. She delighted in caring for them in their early years and was proud of their individual achievements as adults. Never was she short on love, as she always reiterated, “I love you more!”
Inez will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Doris “Gayle” McCormick (Jeff); son, Patrick of Magnolia, TX; one brother, Roy Deemer of Minford, OH; grandchildren, Megan Abrahamson(Austin Bowen) of Parkersburg, WV; Madison (Sean) McCloskey of Morgantown, WV; Marina McCormick (Jordan Goewey) of Greenville, SC; Mackenzie “Mac” McCormick of Magnolia, TX; Andrew McGuffey of Williamstown, WV; step-grandchildren Sarah, Olivia, and Christian of Charleston, WV; Aunt Georgia Rideout of Circleville, OH; sister-in-law, Patty McCormick of St. Louis, MO; cousin Judy Lewallen of Alderson, WV; several nieces and nephews, including Brett McCormick, of Minford, OH.
She also leaves behind dear friends from grade school; Rosalie Riddlebarger of Dayton, OH; Peggy Maddox of Franklin Furnace, OH; Alice Marcum of Chattanooga, TN; and Patty Shonkwiler of Minford, OH; with whom she kept in touch with throughout her life. They truly loved one another-taking many annual trips together, meeting at high school reunions, and continuously talking on the phone supporting each other’s ups and downs. These friendships meant the world to her.
Additionally, she will be dearly missed by many friends in the Parkersburg area including; Diane Hornish of Parkersburg; Rose Snodgrass, Becky Petty, and Elaine Bender, of Williamstown WV. She truly enjoyed coffee and cinnamon rolls from Panera, lunches at the Corner Café and Applebee’s and getting her hair done. Inez’s family thanks everyone for their unending friendship over the years and vital emotional support during her battle with cancer.
She fought this long battle with colon cancer with grace and dignity beyond measure. Inez thanks Drs. Petty, Siva and Bhati for “saving my life” and all of the nurses, staff and volunteers at the Marietta Memorial Hospital Strecker Cancer Center who provided professional, critical care with heartfelt smiles and joyfulness. In typical Inez fashion, she even volunteered at the Strecker chemotherapy lab during a period of time when her cancer was not active, choosing to give hope and strength when their world’s looked dark and bleak.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Col. William McCormick (Ret); an infant son, Michael; very special sister-in-law Donna Sue (Roy) Deemer; Her Aunt Anna Cole and her daughter Nancy Cole and numerous very close relatives.
Her family also thanks Amedisys Hospice, especially Lindsey, and the nurses, physicians and aides at CCMH-WVU Medicine for excellent care during her final days.
Per her wishes, there will be a private graveside service at Bailey’s Chapel Cemetery in Wakefield, OH. Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home is providing funeral services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Marietta Memorial Hospital Foundation-call (740) 374-4913 or email at [email protected] or the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research-call 1-800-708-7644 or Donate by Mail Donation Processing, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.
