Mary Lou Lang Friley

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness She is standing right in front of me, Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be, Let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, Let it be. Mary Lou Lang Friley, 71, May 18, 1939 – May 15, 2011. Mary entered into eternal rest on Sunday evening at her home in Beards Fork with her family at her side. Mary’s courageous 17 month battle with Glioblastoma multiforme began only two months after the loss of the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Friley. She was born in Fayette County WV, the first of three daughters of the late Arthur “Windy” Lang and Thelma Virginia Hill Lang. Mary Lou attended schools in Fayette County and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1958. In July 1958, she married Bob Friley. They have four children, Sheilah Gail Friley (Joe) Vied of Oak Hill, Robert Greggory (Darla) Friley of Kenova, Pamela Sue Friley (Dan) Brown of Alum Creek and Jonathan W. Friley of Beards Fork; sisters, Yvonne Gay Thomas of Beards Fork and Ann Lang Lowery of Campbells Creek; six grandchildren, John Ryan Henning, Leslie Nichole Friley, Derek Anthony Banks, Jennifer Rae Brown, Christopher Dane Friley and Kyle Greggory Friley; and five great-grandchildren, Adrianna Madison Friley, Kiauna Rayne Banks, Grace Marie Friley, Kaylee Jeannine Friley and Olivia Dane Friley. Mary worked as a secretary throughout her life. She was employed by HUD in Washington, D.C., worked as a legal secretary, and worked many years at the Fayette County Board of Education. Following several years living in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, Mary returned home to care for Bob’s elderly parents, Perry Francis “Pop” Friley and Thelma Maxine Gilbert Friley. Later, she rejoined the work force at Walker Machinery, from which she later retired. Mary loved working there and made many lifelong friends among her coworkers. Volunteering and helping others was very important to Mary; she was always actively involved in her community. She served as secretary for the Loup Creek Volunteer Fire Department for several years, volunteered at the Southern Appalachian Labor School, and was even a pitcher for the Beards Fork Women’s Softball team. Mary loved life and laughter. She enjoyed traveling, reading, dancing and music. Mary loved being with her friends and family. She was always smiling, always optimistic, and believed you should live each day to the fullest. Mary touched many lives with her giving heart and contagious smile. She kept her wonderful sense of humor all the way to the end. She will always be lovingly remembered and missed by her friends and family and many others who were blessed to know her. Friends and family are invited to attend the celebration of Mary’s life on Thursday, May 19, at the Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill, WV. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and the service will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Montgomery Memorial Park, London, WV. Donations may be made to The Chris Elliott Glioblastoma Foundation, 704 228th Ave NE #254, Sammamish, WA 98074 ( www.ChrisElliottFund.org ). Online condolences may be sent at: www.tyreefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV