Waneda "Merky" Pridemore, 73, of West Madison, WV. Went to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 at CAMC Memorial Hospital after a very long, hard-fought illness surrounded by her daughter, who never left her side and family.

She was born on October 16th, 1952, to the Late Johnie Sr. and Geraldine "Pummy" Baire of Bandytown, WV. She was welcomed at Heaven's pearly gates by her loving parents; brother Hobert Lee Baire; two baby sisters Donreda "Curly" Baire and Lena Mae Baire; two sisters in law Pat and Tinky; and one great niece Ashley Dawn.

The matriarch of her family, born the oldest girl of those six Baire kids from Bandytown. Merky never once met a stranger. She spent her days spoiling her five girls that were the light of her life. Her world truly revolved around her babies.

Left to cherish her memory, her only child, daughter, Amanda (Bob) of West Madison, WV; two granddaughters, Brooklyn (Troy) of Ottawa, WV and Kyndal Jade of West Madison, WV; two great granddaughters, Esther and Prudence; two brothers, Johnie Sr. (Sue) of Bandytown, WV and Aubry/John John of Madison, WV; one sister in law, Rose Mary; and a very special cousin, Janet "Sissy"; nieces, Becky Kay (Tim), MaryAnn (Randy), Thea, and Donna Kay; one nephew, Will; great nieces and nephews, Shayla (Jeff), Randy Jr., Shawna (Camron), Brianna (Josh), Devan, Jason (Alyssa), Nate, and Jordan; great-great nieces and nephews, Eric, Brayden, Kannon, Brelynn, Brynlee Jo, Skylynn, Sylas, and Colsen. She also leaves behind her first love and best friend Norman.

She was a longtime member of the VFW Post 5578 Ladies Auxillary. She always loved yard sales, thrifting, and a good hot dog. An avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a mom and big sister to all. Merky never turned away a person in need and would fight tooth and nail for those she loved. The family would like to extend a special thank you to both CAMC and Boone Memorial Hospitals as well all those who have extended grace in any way throughout her illness and passing. A special thank you to Pastor Ginger and Scott Dials.

Service will be 11:00am, Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, W.V. With Pastor Ginger Dials officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial to follow at Green Cemetery in Bandytown, WV. Pallbearers: Bob, Troy, Nate, Jordan and Will.