Mary Belle (Hayes) Elza

Mary Belle Elza, 91, of Mannington, WV, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Born April 29, 1934, in Mannington, she was the daughter of the late William Lester Hayes and Enid (Laurestine) Hayes.

In her younger years, Mary co-owned and operated Big John’s Place in Wyatt with her husband.  She enjoyed gardening, camping, reading, relaxing by her pool, watching her daytime soaps, and especially cooking for her family.  Her chicken and dumplings, pasties, and rolls were a favorite and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her grandchildren:  Shawn Elza of Fairmont; Misty (Bruce) Knight of Metz; Brandy (Allen) Brooks of Mannington; Krystle (Travis) Wolfe of Morgantown; and Josh Harley of Mannington; her great-grandchildren:  Mayson Elza, Brody Knight, Dakota Higgins (Chad Calabrese), Raven (Glenn) Sturgeon, Dylan (Jordan) Higgins, Eliza, Emmie and Everly Wolfe and Tionna Harley; two great-great-grandchildren Noelle and Hendrix; her sisters:  Charlotte Pennington of Cleveland, OH; Sue Zupancic of Cookeville, TN; Joyce Dianne Cumberlidge of Brunswick, OH; Sharon Richmond of Amherst, OH; Donna Peters of Euclid, OH; and Brenda Starsick Carpenter of Montana Mines; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John David Elza; daughters, Carol Jean Fleece and Mary Jane Elza Harley; her son, Johnnie Junior “Slugger” Elza; her great-grandson, Crayton Riley Elza, a great-great-granddaughter Lorelai Victoria Higgins; her brother, William Frederick Hayes; and her sister, Linda Torch.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brandy and Allen Brooks for the loving care they provided to Mary over the last several years, allowing her to remain at home.  They would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their compassion and support. 

Mary will be remembered for her strength, and her family finds peace knowing she is reunited with her beloved children.

Family and friends will be received at Dorsey Funeral Home, 701 S. Pike St., Shinnston, on Thursday, February 26, 2026 for visitation from 2:00PM – 8:00PM.  Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00AM with Pastor Tom Moore officiating.  Interment to Shinnston Memorial Cemetery.

Dorsey Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements for the Elza family.

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