Marcus Maxine Stalnaker
Physical Description
Height: 5'0"
Weight: 114 pounds
Hair Color: Gray
Eye Color: Blue
Distinguishing Features:
Wore eyeglasses
Pierced ears
Clothing and Personal Items
Vehicle: Gray 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity (later located abandoned)
On the evening of December 1, 1999, Marcus "Maxine" Stalnaker and her daughter, Mary Geneva Friend, were last seen at their shared residence near Jane Lew, West Virginia. Earlier that day, they had run errands separately—Maxine was dropped off at home around 5:00 p.m., and Mary returned later that evening after dropping off her sister. The next morning, neither woman could be reached, and Mary's husband, who had been working out of town, returned on December 3 to find the house empty. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle, and all personal belongings were left behind.
Mary's gray 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity was found abandoned on December 6 near Clarksburg, West Virginia, with no signs of foul play. In 2002, a purse containing identification for both women was discovered in Stonewall Jackson Lake, prompting extensive searches that yielded no further evidence. Despite investigations and multiple searches, the whereabouts of Maxine and her daughter remain unknown.
What You Can Do
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Marcus Maxine Stalnaker, please contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Office at 304-269-8251.
Maxine is listed in the NamUs database under case number MP419.
Even after all these years, Maxine's disappearance remains unresolved. Her story matters, and any new information could help bring long-awaited answers to those who still search for her.