Helen Eloise Wisman

December 11, 2018

Helen Eloise Wisman, 93, of Tornado, went to be with her Lord and Savior, December 11, 2018, comforted by members of her loving family. She was born in her childhood home to the late James “Jim” and Garnett Wisman on February 13, 1925. Eloise was a lifelong resident of Tornado and a dedicated member of Humphrey’s Memorial United Methodist Church for all of her ninety three years. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her longtime friend and companion Stanley Hall, her brother Bernard Wisman (JoAnn), and two infant brothers who passed at birth, Henry Paul and Albert. She was a former employee of Union Carbide Corporation, having worked in the Stores Dept. at the South Charleston plant both on the island and on the mainland. She began her career prior to 1950 and retired in 1985 with greater than thirty-five years of service. Eloise was a kind and gentle soul who never forgot a face or a name. She was welcoming to anyone she met, and enjoyed making new friends, acquaintances, and experiences throughout her life. She had a perpetually sunny disposition and an approachable nature that made her a friend to so many. The community of Tornado never had a more ardent supporter than Eloise Wisman. Throughout her life she was quick to point out to any and all who would listen the many virtues of her lifelong home. She lived in a warm and welcoming house on a hill overlooking Upper Falls, where her father and her grandfather before him owned and operated a grist mill until the early 1950’s. For the entirety of her long life, she never lived more than a few hundred feet from the large white farmhouse where she was born. She loved the peace and familiarity of her community with its view of the river, and the peaceful sound of the falls clearly audible from her front porch. She truly loved, and was tremendously proud of her home community of Tornado, West Virginia. The greatest passion in Eloise’s life was unquestionably her love for the “little white church on the hill” in Tornado, and her deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. As a young teen she developed a passion for music that would become her ministry in the church. She served the Lord by playing the organ or the piano nearly every Sunday morning, without interruption, for over seventy years. Eloise was a delegate to the United Methodist Annual Conference held at West Virginia Wesleyan College for many decades, and in that capacity she served as an usher at the conference for over forty-five years. Her involvement with the United Methodist Women was also an important aspect of her social life, and she was an active participant for many, many years, spawning an untold number of lifelong friends. It was difficult to go anywhere in the local area without someone recognizing and approaching her to talk, and she always had time to talk. Eloise held many positions in the church from youth leader, Sunday school teacher, administrative and financial committees, newsletter publisher, historical archivist, and many others. She felt called to accept nearly any role that allowed her to be of service to the church and the congregation she dearly loved. Eloise is survived by one sister, Marcedes Eads of Tornado; nephews, Terry Eads (Betsey) of Scott Depot, Rick Wisman (Robin) of Cincinnati, Ohio, David Eads (Shelia) of Salem, South Carolina, Douglas Wisman (Missy) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Greg Eads (Amanda) of Charleston; cousins, Janice Jones (Roy) of Teays Valley, Janette Baldwin (Jimmy) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Michael Wisman (Karen) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; numerous great-nephews, great-nieces, beloved fellow members of her church congregation, neighbors and friends. All of whom she loved and cared about dearly. The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the staff and employees of Bellaire at Devonshire’s memory unit in Scott Depot. The special care, love and kindness they provided Eloise over these last two years of her life were indeed a blessing. We also want to say a special thank you to her caregiver Cim Hale whose extraordinary kindness, patience, friendship and love have been a special comfort to Eloise and her entire family. Additionally, we want to thank HospiceCare of Charleston for their compassion and helpfulness in a difficult time. A service celebrating the life of Eloise will be held Sunday morning, December 16th, 2018 at Humphrey’s Memorial United Methodist Church. Visitation for the public will be held in the sanctuary for one hour beginning at 10:30am. A funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Ritchie McNeil during morning worship services beginning at 11:30am. Burial will follow immediately at Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston WV. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to: Humphrey’s Memorial United Methodist Church at 7799 Coal River Rd., Tornado WV 25202 Condolences may be sent to the family at chapmanfuneralhomes.com Eloise Wisman made a positive contribution to the world she lived in and enjoyed her life to the fullest. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Farewell sweet lady, and may you rest in His eternal peace.