CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Delegate Sharon Malcolm has died, according to her campaign staff.
Malcolm, who lived in Mink Shoals, Kanawha County, “passed away peacefully in her sleep,” campaign staff said. Her death was discovered about noon today.
Malcolm, 72, represented House District 39, northern Kanawha County, which spans the Sissonville, Mink Shoals and Cross Lanes areas.
“It is with great shock and sadness that we mourn the sudden loss of Delegate Malcolm,” stated House Speaker Roger Hanshaw. “Sharon was a fierce public servant, who passionately stood in defense of the principles she held dear.”
The West Virginia GOP also offered condolences to Malcolm’s family.
“It’s with great sadness that I ask West Virginians to join me in praying for the family of Delegate Sharon Malcolm as they mourn her passing,” stated party Chairwoman Melody Potter.
“Delegate Malcolm was a strong leader for her district in the West Virginia House of Delegates. She was hardworking, passionate, and stood strong in her conservative values.”
Tresa Howell, chairwoman of the Kanawha County GOP Executive Committee, remembered Malcolm’s service as an associate on the committee.
“Sharon’s friendship had no boundaries and she served as a role model to all,” Howell said. “The words of wisdom she offered will be greatly missed.”
Malcolm was appointed on March 22, 2018, replacing longtime Delegate Ronald Walters, who resigned a couple of weeks prior to that.
Walters worked out an agreement with the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office to resign and not seek public office again following an investigation that took place after a woman contended a forged signature had resulted in a lien on her property.
Malcolm was a retired auditor for the state of West Virginia and was the first woman to serve as a doorkeeper in the House of Delegates and as the first female Assistant Sergeant at Arms for the state Senate.
She was elected to the seat in the Nov. 6, 2018, General Election. Malcolm’s 2,436 votes were enough to defeat Democrat David Holmes, who had 2,022 votes, and independent Dana Ferrell, who had 1,315 votes.
Ferrell, who is running for the seat now as a Republican, issued a statement expressing appreciation for Malcolm.
“I was shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Delegate Sharon Malcom this weekend. She was a strong and formidable opponent,” Ferrell stated.
Malcolm was in the news recently after accusing Delegate Mike Caputo of making physical contact with her after he angrily forced open a door to the House chamber last spring. She told Capitol Police investigators that she continued to experience pain.
Caputo’s misdemeanor hearing, originally scheduled for Monday, was continued until Nov. 12.
Malcolm had been running for re-election next year and was already running advertisements. Friends said she appeared in a parade this past Friday in Sissonville.
Arrangements are currently pending with Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston.