Obituary

The world seems a little sadder today as we announce the passing of mount hope’s long-time business leader, geneva aide on april 13, 2018. Geneva was born on july 28^th, 1922 in boomer, wv to the late andrew and westeen aide. She is also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: virginia, george, frances, ferris (her twin), ruth (dolly), mitchell, margaret, and lorena. While she had no children of her own, she became a second mother to her 14 nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Geneva’s granddad, farris bashara aide, immigrated to the united states from syria around 1890 and made a living as a “pack peddler” carrying his wares on his back to sell to families living in and around the charleston, wv area. He opened his first “brick and mortar store” in boomer in 1904 but eventually sold that store and opened a new one in charleston. In 1931, after a devastating fire engulfed the store, the family moved to the coal rich town of mount hope, wv. It was there that his sons andrew (geneva’s dad) and george b., opened aide’s department store. Along with her siblings, geneva grew up working in the family business while at the same time getting an education. She graduated as valedictorian from mount hope high school in 1939 and went on to earn a degree in education from buchannon college.

Geneva was a member of st. Nicholas orthodox church, beckley, wv and also attended st. George orthodox cathedral, charleston, wv.

It should be noted that geneva was quite the dancer. While in high school, she and her twin brother ferris won the school’s jitterbug contest. Even at age 95 she still danced when she heard music. But music was optional. Often, she danced down the hall just because her heart was filled with joy to see those she loved; her friends, her family and all those who cared lovingly for her.

While geneva planned a career in teaching, her parents had other ideas. She, along with her sister frances, were destined to become the sole owners of the aide’s store after their father and his brother retired. The store would stay open for 65 years until her retirement in 1996. A large reason for the success of the store was geneva’s warm rapport with her customers. She had a terrific memory and not only knew her customers by name, but their children’s names as well. Often, she laughed and cried with her customers as they shared their personal stories and challenges in life.

Somehow, even with a business to run, aunt geneva was always there for her family. When her nieces and nephews got behind in school, she was the one who came to the rescue. When a family member became ill, she took charge and made sure they got the medical care the needed. She stayed many a night at her brothers’ and sisters’ homes, looking after their children and lending a helping hand.

She was more than an aunt to these kids; she was their best friend. There was no better news than to hear aunt geneva was coming to visit and spend the night. After all, if you needed a fishing buddy, someone to play softball with, play a board game or just needed a shoulder to cry on, aunt geneva was the one to call. Her joy for her kids was limitless as she exclaimed, (very loudly), to anyone within earshot how happy she was to see them. In fact, at the front of her store, she proudly displayed all their photos and news clippings as they grew.

After her retirement from the store in 1996, she kept her home in mount hope but spent most winters in sarasota, florida.

Throughout her life, aunt geneva often praised god for all the blessings she received and never forgot her family, her friends or her beloved town of mount hope.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.M., monday, april 16, 2018 at st. Nicholas orthodox church, 211 south heber street, beckley, wv with the very rev. Father samuel haddad and very rev. Father olof scott officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: hospice of southern west virginia, p. O. Box 1472, beckley, wv 25802, st. Nicholas orthodox church, beckley, wv, or st. George orthodox cathedral, charleston, wv .

You may send condolences to the family at: www.Barlowbonsall.Com

barlow bonsall funeral home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.