Memorializing life of Honorable Sarah Abigail (Mullennex) Minear

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Azinger and 26 co-sponsors

The resolution formally memorializes Sarah Minear’s life and public service, recognizing her trailblazing role as the first woman elected from the 14th Senate District and her exte

Completed legislative action

Bill Summary: Senate Resolution 48 (SR 48), Session 2026 – West Virginia

Purpose and intent

SR 48 memorializes the life and public service of the Honorable Sarah Abigail (Mullennex) Minear.

It honors Minear’s legacy as a wife, deacon, elder, community leader, philanthropist, former West Virginia State Senator, stateswoman, and dedicated public servant.

The resolution also offers condolences to her family and directs the Clerk to transmit a copy of the memorial to her family and friends.

Key provisions and changes

Official recognition: The Senate formally memorializes Sarah Abigail (Mullennex) Minear by name, detailing her background, education, faith, community involvement, and public service.

Biographical statements included:

Born August 11, 1941, in Parsons, WV; parents John J. Mullennex Sr. and Ruth A. Mullennex.
Education: Parsons High School; attended Fairmont State College, WV Business College, and West Virginia University.
Faith and service: Deacon and Elder; active with Parsons Presbyterian Church and various church committees.
Community leadership: Roles with River City Garden Club, Tucker County Arts Council, Tucker County Chamber of Commerce, WV Chamber of Commerce, Mon Valley Tri-State Network, Tucker County Development Authority, Allegheny Front Regional Development Authority, Republican committees at county and state levels, and boards including Tucker County Farm Bureau and WV Forestry Association.
Philanthropy and foundation work: Founding president of Tucker Community Foundation (1988–1994) and founding president of the West Virginia Grantmakers Association (now Philanthropy West Virginia) (1992–1995).
Legislative service: Elected to the West Virginia State Senate on November 4, 1994; served 12 years as State Senator from the 14th District, the first woman elected from that district; served on numerous committees (Finance; Banking and Insurance; Economic Development; Government Organization; Interstate Cooperation; Natural Resources; and others).
Additional leadership: Chair of Monongalia General Hospital Board of Directors; Vice President of Adaland Mansion, Inc.; board roles at Cortland Acres Foundation and Cortland Acres Nursing Home.
Civic involvement: Longtime volunteer with Parsons High School Tri-HY, YMCA (now Youth Leadership Association); recipient of the 70th Anniversary Golden Horseshoe Award (2010) from Camp Horseshoe for strong support and program development.

Date of passing: August 26, 2025.

Procedural requests: Directs the Clerk to transmit a copy of the memorial to Minear’s family and friends.

Who is affected

Recognition by the West Virginia Senate affects the general public by formally documenting and honoring Minear’s life.

Family and friends receive an official memorial through the Clerk’s transmission.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: February 23, 2026.

Action history indicates expedited handling:

Filed for introduction on Feb 23.
On Feb 24, 2026, the resolution moved through committee reference and immediate consideration, and was adopted (Roll Call No. 207) the same day.

Status: Adopted by the West Virginia Senate as a memorial resolution; no substantive regulatory or budgetary provisions are included—this is ceremonial in nature.

Notes for readers

This is a memorial resolution, not a bill that enacts law or allocates funds.

It provides a formal, commemorative account of Minear’s life and public service accomplishments, highlighting her trailblazing role as the first woman elected to represent the 14th Senate District and her extensive community and philanthropic leadership.