Lorene Parsley, 88, of Naugatuck, WV, passed away on January 15, 2010, at Trinity of Logan Nursing Home in Logan, WV.

Born in Mingo County, WV, on January 23, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Albert Dillon and Rosie Marcum Dillon.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Parsley; a son, Claude Dillon; three brothers, Willard, Claude and Leslie Dillon and two sisters, June Evans and Lou Sturgill.

Lorene was a community minded activist who served her neighbors. She was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the John A. Sheppard Memorial Ecological Reservation, a philanthropic, community service, historical trust dedicated to preserving the mountain way of living, beliefs and practices. She was also instrumental in the foundation of Big Laurel Learning Center on Marrowbone Ridge. The school for mountain children operated from 1976 through 1988.

Throughout her life Lorene did more than wish people well, she reached forth with strong hands, deep determination and a generosity of spirit that made an overwhelming difference in the lives of her family, neighbors and the community around her.

Lorene is survived by two sons, Ronnie and his wife, Marijane Lusher of Coldwater, MI and Henry and his wife, Elrita Parsley of Lenore; three brothers, Henry C. Dillon of Marrowbone, WV, Howard Dillon of Beauty, KY and Donald Dillon of Dayton, OH. Also surviving is a beloved sister, Shirley Dempsey of Lenore, WV; 5 grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service for both Lorene and Frank later in the spring and everyone will be invited to attend.

Weaver Mortuary of West Williamson is serving the Parsley family.