Sarah A. Mullennex Minear

The Honorable Senator Sarah A. Mullennex Minear, 84, of Heritage Point in Morgantown, formerly of Parsons, Tucker County, WV, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Harmony at White Oaks in Bridgeport, WV.

Sarah was born on August 11, 1941 in Parsons, WV, the daughter of the late John J. Mullennex Sr. and Ruth A. Swartz Mullennex. Sarah and the late Robert W. Minear Sr. were married in May 1975.

Sarah graduated from Parsons High School and attended Fairmont State College, West Virginia Business College, and West Virginia University.

Surviving to cherish her memories are nieces, Sheryl Ann Dehner (Tim) and their daughter, Savannah, and Lisa Winland and her son, Lazarus.

In addition to her parents and husband, Robert, Sarah was preceded in death by her brother, John J. Mullennex Jr. and his wife, Judy Mullennex.

Sarah’s Christian faith called her to help others within her community and throughout the State of West Virginia. She served as a Deacon and Elder within the church and served on several committees for Parsons Presbyterian Church.

In addition, Sarah served as an active member and officer of River City Garden Club, Tucker County Arts Council, Tucker County Chamber of Commerce board, WV Chamber of Commerce, Mon Valley Tri-State Network, charter member of the Tucker County Development Authority and Allegheny Front Regional Development Authority, Tucker County Republican Executive Committee and WV State Republican Committee, Tucker County Farm Bureau, and the West Virginia Forestry Association.

Sarah was the founding president of the Tucker Community Foundation and served in that capacity from December 1988 until December 1994. She also was the founding president of the West Virginia Grantmakers Association (now Philanthropy West Virginia) serving as president from May 1992 through December 1995.

On November 4, 1994, Sarah was elected to the West Virginia State Senate, where she proudly served for 12 years as State Senator from the 14th Senatorial District serving seven counties. Senator Minear was the first woman elected to serve from this district. Sarah served on Senate Committees including Finance, Banking and Insurance, Economic Development, Government Organization, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources, Forest Management Review, Joint Committee on Government Operations, and the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee.

Sarah was a leader in her community and continued to hold several leadership positions on various boards including Chair of the Monongalia General Hospital Board of Directors, Vice President of Adaland Mansion, Inc. in Barbour County, as well as serving in the Board of Cortland Acres Foundation and the Board of Cortland Acres Nursing Home in Tucker County.

Sarah was a member of the Parsons High School Tri-HI-Y, a lifelong volunteer and supporter of Ohio-West Virginia YMCA (now Youth Leadership Association) including service on the board and as president of the board. Sarah was recognized with the 70th Anniversary Golden Horseshoe Award in 2010 by Camp Horseshoe in recognition for giving thousands of children and teenagers the opportunity to attend Horseshoe through her tireless efforts to increase Horseshoe’s endowment, annual support, improve facilities, and strengthened program.

Sarah will be laid to rest next to her husband, Robert W. Minear Sr. at Parsons City Cemetery in Parsons, West Virginia. A graveside committal service will be held on Thursday, September 4th at 11:00am with Pastor Junius Lewis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sarah’s memory may be made to Tucker Community Foundation, PO Box 491, Parsons, WV 26287 or Your Community Foundation of North Central WV, Inc., PO Box 409, Morgantown, WV 26507.

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com