Wilda Evon Tenney Chenoweth
(January 29, 1924 - April 11, 2013)

Wilda Evon Tenney Chenoweth peacefully achieved the ultimate victory April 11, 2013, at the Emogene Dolin Hospice House after a brief illness. Wilda was born January 29, 1924, the fourth of 11 children of the Reverend Albert Law and Viola Gooden Tenney. She was born in a Methodist parsonage in Buckhannon, W.Va., during the time her father was serving as a student pastor while attending West Virginia Wesleyan College. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant great grandson, Graham Albert Noe; sisters: Alma (Joe) Cox, Ina (John) Hersman, Lena (Wayman) Cousins, Agnes Payne and a brother-in law, Joe Glen Harrison. Wilda is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, the Reverend Robert James (Jim) Chenoweth, Jr.; five children: Helen Evon (JR) Chapman of Chattanooga, Tenn., Mildred Ruth (John) Aluise of Huntington, Roberta Jean (Ron) Ferguson of Kenova, Robert James Chenoweth, III (Becky) of Barboursville, WV and David Law Chenoweth of Huntington; eight grandchildren: Dr. Karrie Anne Barbour of Bridgewater, Va., Seth Alan Barbour of Troutman, N.C., Kory Allison (David) Noe of Chattanooga, Tenn., Mendy Aluise (fiancé Jeff Chapman), John Michael Aluise, Christopher Joseph (Sarah) Aluise of Huntington, Maggie Elizabeth Chenoweth of Barboursville and Morgan Ferguson, III of Kenova, as well as one great grandson: Tate Owen Noe of Chattanooga, Tenn. Surviving siblings include Meta Harrison, Jean (John) Warner, Bettie (Tom) Garvey, Albert (Wanda) Tenney, Paul Tenney, Thomas (Helen) Tenney and brother in-law, William Payne. Additionally, she is survived by 37 nieces and nephews and families whom she loved dearly; a special friend, Rick Knight, and a host of wonderful friends who blessed and enriched her life. While attending West Virginia Wesleyan College, she earned a medal for volleyball which later in life earned her the nickname, “Wild Wilda the Wesleyan Wonder.” After earning the A.B. Degree in Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1948, Wilda began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Greenbrier County. She met and married the love of her life, Jim, in 1951. She spent the next 35 years teaching in public schools in Pocahontas, Wood, Wyoming, Cabell and Logan Counties. In 1977 she earned a Master of Arts Degree with a major in Elementary Education from Marshall University where she later completed a Reading Specialization in 1986. Wilda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, dedicated educator, minister’s wife, active member of Cross Roads United Methodist Church and friend to many. She will be forever missed and loved by family and a host of friends who praise God for the gift of Wilda Evon Tenney Chenoweth and the beautiful Christian example she lived. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Kevin Yingling and his staff for the excellent care provided Wilda for 24 years, the caring physicians and nurses at Cabell Huntington Hospital, the wonderful staff and friends at Wyngate Senior Living Community and the compassionate angels at the Hospice House. The family also gratefully acknowledges Ginger Sullivan who lovingly assisted and pampered Wilda each Sunday at church. Pastors David Cartwright and Bill DeMoss will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Chenoweth family members for their continued love and spiritual support. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Cross Roads United Methodist Church or Hospice. Friends will be received from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Chapman’s Mortuary, Huntington. Celebration of life service will be Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m. at Cross Roads United Methodist Church with Pastor David Cartwright, Pastor Bill DeMoss, and Pastor Tim Halloran officiating. Private burial will take place Monday at Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington.