Elaine Faye Channell

Elaine Faye Channell, born on June 11, 1931, in Huttonsville, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, surrounded by family after a brief illness. She was the only child of Ivy Robert and Kathleen (Butcher) Forinash.

On October 12, 1946, Elaine married Kermit Brooks Channell I from Elkins, West Virginia, with whom she shared 57 happy years of marriage until his passing in 2003. Throughout her life, Elaine and Kermit traveled extensively, as Kermit worked as an Electrical Engineer with Western Electric, allowing them to live in various places across the United States and Europe. Elaine often expressed her fondness for New Mexico and Istanbul, Turkey, both of which held a special place in her heart.

Elaine was not only a devoted wife and mother but also an individual of various interests. She loved to read, shop, and indulge in her favorite crime and justice shows. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family. Her strong Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life; she was baptized and actively participated at Highland Heights Baptist Church before relocating from Arkansas in the early 1980s and attending various churches throughout her journey.

Elaine is survived by her four children: Carol Lynn Channell Cox (Harold) of Columbus, NC; Roberta Jay (Bobby) Channell Bergren (John) of Benton, AR; Kathi Gayle Channell Peoples (Gregg) of Benton, AR; and Kermit Brooks Channell II (Cindy) of Little Rock, AR. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Daniel Cox (Laurie) of Little Rock, AR; Stephen Cox (Jill) of Florida; Nathan Cox of Washington State; Erik Bergren (Rachael) of Benton, AR; Ryan Bergren (Lisa) of Bryant, AR; Adam Bergren (Colleen) of Wake Forest, NC; Brooks Channell (Brittany) of Bryant, AR; Benjamin Channell of Maine; Grant Channell of Maine; and Sydney Channell of Alicante, Spain.

Her great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy, include Shawn Cox (Marly) of Little Rock, AR; Anna Kate Cox of Little Rock, AR; Angelise Cox of Washington State; Savannah, Amber, and Hudson Bergren of Benton, AR; Addie, Virginia, Johnnie, and Bobby Bergren of Bryant, AR; Bryleigh and Brooklynn Channell of Bryant, AR; and Adam Bergren II in Wake Forest, NC. Elaine also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as a special sister and brother-in-law, Merry Jane Channell Darling and David Darling of Beverly, WV.

Elaine is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kermit Brooks Channell; her parents, Ivy Robert and Kathleen (Butcher) Forinash; her daughter-in-law, Susan Westerman Channell; and her granddaughter, Jessica Channell.

The family will receive visitors at the Valley Head United Methodist Church, located at Conley Run Road, Valley Head, WV, on May 30, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A funeral service will follow from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Elaine will be laid to rest thereafter at Valley Head Cemetery at 4:00 PM.

Elaine Faye Channell will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her, not only for her unyielding faith and love for her family but also for her vibrant spirit and zest for life.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas and Randolph Funeral Home in Valley Bend, West Virginia.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.