Col. Pauline Wilson Shaver, 87, died peacefully while in hospice care in Morgantown on Jan. 8, 2024.
Pauline was born on Jan. 9, 1936, in Morgantown, to Paul W. Wilson and Inez (Sharps) Wilson, but often said that age was only a number that had nothing to do with what really mattered in her life.
Pauline began her work in healthcare as a Registered Nurse and went on to become one of West Virginia’s first Nurse Practitioners. She also served as the first female Colonel in the West Virginia National Guard as Chief Nurse and Occupational Health and Safety Officer.
Pauline touched the lives of many West Virginians over her lifetime of service. She was instrumental in beginning one of the first HeadStart and Follow-Through programs in Monongalia County and was the first Red Cross Certified Disaster Nurse in West Virginia. Pauline also served as St. Mark United Methodist Church’s first Community Health Minister, participated in several medical missions in South America and volunteered with many organizations providing meals and other services to others in need. Her tireless work earned her an “Unsung Hero” award when she became recipient of the 2014 Jefferson Award for Public Service.
Pauline was interviewed many times by the media. One particular interview appeared in “Innerviews,” a book published by the Charleston Gazette, containing a collection of their favorite columns. Her personal narrative has been recorded in the Library of Congress.
Col. Shaver is survived by her children, Joy E. Shaver of Decatur, Ga., Robert M. “Mark” Shaver of Morgantown, Patricia “Trish” Cendana of Morgantown; her grandchildren, Christine (Chris) Batelli of Charles Town, Andrew “Drew” Cendana of Morgantown, and Stephanie L. Cook, of Connellsville, Pa.; her great-grandchildren, Jazlyn and Braxton; her sister, Eleanor Wilson of Alexandria, Va.; and three brothers, Jim Wilson of Galion, Ohio, Bob Wilson of Fairmont, and Bill Wilson of Fairmont. She is preceded in death by her son, Eric Lawrence Glenn Shaver; son-in-law, Alfred “Brett” Cendana; her parents, Paul W. Wilson and Inez Wilson; and her sister, Ruth Salmon.
Friends and family will be received at Suncrest United Methodist Church, 470 Van Voorhis Rd., Morgantown, from noon on Saturday, Jan. 20, until the time of the memorial service at 1 p.m., with Pastor Larry Buckland officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made by donation to Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Rd., Morgantown, WV, 26505.
Condolences:
hastingsfuneralhome.com
