BECKLEY AREA FOUNDATION EXISTS TO INSPIRE AND FACILITATE GENEROUS CHARITABLE GIVING THAT ADVANCES OUR COMMUNITY.
BAF Receives This Year's Purple Halo Award!
The Beckley Area Foundation is thrilled to be recognized as the 4th Annual Purple Halo Award recipient by AWAY (formerly Women's Resource Center)! This award celebrates our ongoing efforts to support and strengthen our community.
Since 1985, we have proudly connected donors with local needs—managing over 500 endowed funds and $80 million in assets. To date, we’ve awarded more than $23 million to support education, health, recreation, the arts, and more across southern West Virginia! A heartfelt thank you to AWAY for this incredible honor—we remain committed making a lasting difference in our community! |
Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow
Alan and Alicia Lett of Daniels, WV, have established the Lett’s Lead Fund, a new endowment dedicated to developing leadership skills in PK–12 students across West Virginia.
Focused on inspiring confidence, responsibility, and vision, the fund aims to empower young people to make a lasting impact in their schools and communities. Learn how their gift is shaping the next generation of leaders by clicking the button below! |
Mary Ann Turner
Mary Ann Turner died on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, West Virginia. Her grace and elegance were second only to her incredible strength and determination.
Born in Beckley on January 5, 1928 Mary Ann was the second child of Lorin Thomas and Sarah Ann Browning Putman. Mary Ann was graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1945 and attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. She transferred to West Virginia University so as not to have to travel to school by train and continued as an English and Education major and president of Delta Gamma sorority. It was while attending WVU that she met the love of her life, Bill Turner. Following graduation from WVU, Mary Ann returned to Beckley where she and Bill would marry. While on their honeymoon Bill received his draft notification. Mary Ann resided in Beckley and Columbus, Georgia during Bill’s military service. After serving in Germany, Bill and Mary Ann returned to Beckley where they settled to raise their family. Mary Ann grew up and was married in the First Christian Church where she remained a member. She served as a deacon and a circle member, and she and Bill raised their children there. Mary Ann was a member of the Beckley Junior Woman’s Club and Beckley Art Group and was a member of the Phymosia Garden Club where she had served as president. She was a member of Black Knight Country Club and Glade Springs and was an avid golfer. Mary Ann had a passion for art and painted with friends throughout her life. Her passion for art and her eye for beauty produced paintings that friends and family enjoy in their homes and businesses. |
Jerry Bays
Jerry Bays of Sabine, WV, passed away March 6th, 2025. Jerry was born to Wilda and Kenneth Bays.
Jerry was proud of his roots in Southern WV. After graduating from Sophia High School in 1955 and spending the summer working in 36 inches of coal, his mother drove him to Morgantown. He worked his and his brother Neil's way though WVU, School of Mines and became a professional Engineer in 1962. He began his working career as the only engineer at a company located in Glen White, WV. In 1980, he was Head Engineer managing 60 engineers. In 1986, he started Bays, Inc. with his two brothers Neil and Larry. Together they designed coal handling and preparation facilities. Jerry spent over 50 years in the engineering profession and was a member of Society of Mining Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers. In 2021, SME honored Jerry with a 50-year membership pin. He retired at 86 years old. He always looked forward to going to church, specifically to the Sunday morning bible school class held in the library at the Beckley Presbyterian Church. He met Margaret Ann Sharpenberg, his second wife in this class. Margaret Ann and Jerry were married six weeks later in the chapel of the church 32 years ago. In the Beckley Presbyterian Church he was a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, served on the property committee, and was instrumental in the organ installation that is housed at this church. He was a member of the SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) through the Brooks Family. He was a past member of the Beckley Rotary Club. He and his wife Margaret Ann established the "Margaret Ann and Jerry L. Bays Scholarship Fund" to provide for students at Independence High School pursuing a career in engineering at WVU. Donations can be made to their fund in Jerry’s memory. |
Address1210 South Kanawha Street
Beckley, WV 25801 Telephone304-253-3806
Fax681-207-7242
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