Gwendolyn Blackhurst Friel, age 81, of Marlinton, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Merrill Gardens Memory Care in Knoxville, Tennessee, after a struggle with dementia.
Born November 13, 1940, in Cass, she was a daughter of the late Theodore and Doris Robertson Blackhurst.
Gwennie was a long-time school secretary at Marlinton High School, Pocahontas County High School and Marlinton Middle School. She and Coach were well-loved role models to hundreds of county youth throughout their years of service in the public school system, church and community. Gwennie enjoyed hosting family gatherings, sing- ing in the choir at Marlinton United Methodist Church, participating in craft shows with her knitting and flower arrangements, and cultivating her beautiful flower beds.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her dear husband, Coach Elmer Friel; and two sisters, Gertrude Wooddell and Betty Lou Blackhurst.
She is survived by her children, Elaine Friel (Deb Stark), of Manassas, Virginia, and Rick Friel (Lori Articola Friel), of Knoxville, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Julianna Friel and Jessica Friel, both of Knoxville, Tennessee; her sisters, Barbara Shaw (Ernest Shaw), of Marlinton, and Rebecca Judy (Joe Judy), of Mill Creek; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2022, at Lantz Funeral Home in Buckeye.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Marlinton United Methodist Church with Butch Michael officiating.
Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Marlinton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marlinton United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be made at Lantzfuneralhome.com