Mary Lou McKain

Mary Lou Brady McKain, 97, of Wheeling, WV passed away June 14, 2025 at the home of her daughter in Troutman, NC. She was born July 23, 1927 in Jarvisville, WV, the daughter of the late Carl B. and Ruth L. Brady. The Bradys moved to nearby Wolf Summit, WV when she was a small child, where she spent a happy childhood along with her brother Edwin and many beloved friends and neighbors, among whom was her future husband, William D. “Bill” McKain, Jr. Both Mary Lou (Class of 1945) and Bill (Class of 1944) were graduates of Bristol High School in Harrison County. She attended secretarial school after graduation and enjoyed working at the Carnation Milk Company in Clarksburg for 10 years, eventually becoming office manager.

Mary Lou and Bill were married June 21, 1952 in Clarksburg and lived in Wolf Summit until Bill took a job with The Morris Plan Savings and Loan in Wheeling. They moved to Elm Grove with their six-month-old daughter and lived on Idabelle Avenue until 1967 when they built their dream home in Park View. Mary Lou devoted her life to her husband and daughter. Although she was widowed in 1997, she continued to embrace life and was an active member of Elm Grove United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and The Woman’s Club of Wheeling. She was also a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows Rebekah Lodge and the Daughters of the Nile. She enjoyed playing bridge, and was excited to share details when she played well at her bridge club. Later in life, she enjoyed attending AARP luncheons at Wheeling Park.

Her greatest joy was her three grandchildren. She was delighted when they moved back to the Wheeling area, and spent many hours babysitting them and attending their school events. She was known to many by her grandma name, “Wooie.” All children loved Mary Lou, and she loved spending time with them. In 2023, she was thrilled to become a great-grandmother to Lorelei Rhae, daughter of her grandson Michael and his wife Katie. Mary Lou kept in touch with many of her high school friends and attended reunions every year. She and Bill also had many Wheeling area friends and enjoyed getting together for meals or playing cards. She loved her Steelers, Pirates, and Mountaineers and had years of fun sparring with a couple of her favorite Ravens and Packers fans.

In March 2023, failing health caused Mary Lou to make the decision to leave her beloved home in Park View and move to NC with her daughter, and she appreciated the many friends and church members who kept in contact with her.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Edwin Dayton Brady of Nutter Fort, WV and a dear nephew, Michael Carl Brady of Mt. Clare, WV.

Mary Lou is survived by her only child, Annette McKain Godown and husband David of Troutman, NC; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Amanda Godown and partner Alyssa Ng of Chapel Hill, NC; Michael Raymond Godown and wife Katie of Banner Elk, NC; and William David Godown and wife Grayson, also of Banner Elk, NC; one great-grandchild, Lorelei Rhae Godown of Banner Elk, NC; her “adopted” grandson, Luca Seisler and wife Sydney of Coral Springs, FL; multiple generations of nieces and nephews who she dearly loved and who loved her back; and her wonderful caregiver and friend, Sandy Meyer of Wheeling. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Iredell Hospice and Palliative Care and her caregiver Ashley Reid for the loving and caring support provided to Mary Lou. Memorial contributions to Elm Grove United Methodist Church, 125 Kruger St., Wheeling, WV 26003, a local Hospice, or the charity of the donor’s choice are greatly appreciated.

Memorial service and burial will occur on Saturday June 28, 2025 at 12 noon in the Chapel at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, 457 Zachs Run Rd, Mt. Clare (Clarksburg), WV.

Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home of Wheeling and Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home of Huntersville, NC.