Gloria Jean Klipa

Gloria Jean Klipa passed away peacefully at her home in Bluefield, VA on December 7, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. "MamaJean," as she was affectionately called by those close to her, was born October 17, 1935 in Oceana, WV, to Wirt and Geneva (Neece) Cook. MamaJean attended Marshall University and continued her education at the West Virginia School of Banking. Known for her sharp wit, work ethic, and fondness for perfectly pressed white blouses, she quickly found success in the banking industry. She began her banking career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond in Norfolk, VA. She served as auditor for The Bank of Man for thirteen years until she was promoted to the position of Vice President in 1985. She also served as the President of the Banking Administration Institute. Always a strong community advocate, MamaJean donated her many talents to a number of local charities. The Food Pantry of Man was especially important to her, as was her involvement with the Tridelphia Woman's Club in her earlier years. She was also a member of the Bruce McDonald Memorial United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women of Man, WV. MamaJean is survived by her daughters Debrah Ammar of Bluefield, VA and Terri (Todd) Hatfield of Gilbert, WV, son Billy Robertson of Oceana, WV, granddaughters Alexandra and Olivia Ammar of Savannah, GA, Teryn (Gabe) Manella of Westminster, MD, Megan (Dennis) Quinn of Charleston, SC, grandson Zachary Robertson of Oceana, WV, brother John Wirt Cook of Cyclone, WV, sister Geneva Ann (Bill) Cook Parker of Beckley, WV, cousins Carolyn Jeffrey Martin of Martinsville, VA, Iris Hope (Gary) Jeffrey Birley, of Oceana, WV, Charles (Barbara) Paul Jeffrey of Cyclone, WV and very special extended family members - Rev. Clyde (Phyllis) Robertson of Man, WV, Elizabeth Ann White Songer of Huntington, WV, Debbie Laurent McKillop of Clearwater, FL, and Sandra Greene, her loving caregiver, of Bluefield, WV. MamaJean was extremely close to her granddaughters, Alexandra and Olivia Ammar, "The Girls," and considered them to be the two brightest lights in her life. She spent the last decade of her life under the care of her beloved daughter Debrah and "The Girls." They were devoted to the health and wellbeing of MamaJean and cherished every moment they spent with her. They were her greatest source of joy and her most precious accomplishments. Alexandra and Olivia have both inherited MamaJean's zest for life and gorgeous smile. MamaJean was preceded in death by her husband George Klipa, her parents Wirt and Geneva Cook, a brother George Herman "Babe" Cook, son-in-law S.A. Ammar, Jr. and Aunt Money Zale (Cook) Jeffrey, with whom she shared a very special bond. A memorial service will be held at Bruce McDonald Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday January 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with a celebration of life to follow at 214 W. McDonald Avenue in Man, WV. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to one of the following charities in her honor: The Man Food Pantry, Bruce McDonald Memorial United Methodist Church, 104 E. McDonald Ave., Man, WV 25635 or the Bluefield Preservation Society, P.O. Box 4044, Bluefield, WV, 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Gloria J. Klipa.

Gloria Jean Klipa

October 17, 1935 - December 7, 2017