CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Funeral arrangements could be finalized as early as Monday for Freda Mae Tomblin, the mother of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, who died Saturday in Chapmanville at the age of 80.
“Our beloved mother was the rock of our family and taught me the importance of education, hard work and caring for others — West Virginia values that live on today,” Gov. Tomblin said in a statement confirming his mother’s death.
“Joanne and I, along with our entire family, appreciate thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Freda Mae Tomblin had owned a greyhound breeding kennel in Southern West Virginia called Tomblin Kennel. Prior to that, the Tomblin family operated a vending company in Logan.
In addition to Gov. Tomblin, Freda Mae Tomblin is survived by her husband, Earl, son Carl, two grandsons and siblings.