Mary Geneva Friend
Physical Description
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 130 pounds
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Distinguishing Features:
Wore large-framed eyeglasses
Clothing and Personal Items
Vehicle: Gray 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity (later located abandoned)
Mary Geneva Friend was last seen on the night of December 1, 1999, at her home near Jane Lew, West Virginia. That day, she had spent time running errands with her sister and son, including a stop to install tires on her car. After dropping her sister off between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., Mary returned home, where she lived with her mother, Marcus "Maxine" Stalnaker. The next morning, Mary missed her plans to pick up her sister and failed to show up for work at a local dry cleaner. Her husband, who had been working out of town, came home two days later to find the house empty, but with no signs of a break-in or struggle. All of Mary’s and Maxine’s personal belongings were left behind.
A few days later, Mary’s gray 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity was found abandoned in Clarksburg, West Virginia, parked near an old building. No obvious signs of foul play were found inside the vehicle. In 2002, a purse containing identification for both Mary and her mother was discovered in Stonewall Jackson Lake, but searches of the area provided no further answers. Both Mary and Maxine remain missing, and their case is still open.
What You Can Do
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Mary Geneva Friend, please contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Office at 304-269-8251.
Mary is listed in the NamUs database under case number MP413.
Even after all these years, Mary's disappearance remains unresolved. Her story matters, and any new information could help bring long-awaited answers to those who still search for her.