Louise Harman Fund

This fund provides long-term support for community spaces in Parsons, WV—including the city cemetery, local parks, and public library—thanks to the foresight and generosity of lifelong resident Viola Poffenbarger Harman.

TYPE OF FUND: Designated

DATE ESTABLISHED: 1992

PURPOSE: Upkeep of Parsons City Cemetery, the River City and Mill Race Parks of Parsons, and Five Rivers Public Library of Parsons.

DISTRIBUTION: Upon the advice of Parsons City Council, the recommendation of the Grants Committee, and approval by the Board of Directors of TCF.

VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.

FUNDING: An initial donation of $25,000 and the remaining from her estate bequest.

BACKGROUND: Viola Poffenbarger Harman was born May 7, 1905, the daughter of William H. and Valeria Frances Browning Poffenbarger. Her mother ran the Commercial Hotel on Main Street in Parsons. Viola was one of nine children and a 1924 graduate of Parsons High School. She married William M. Harman on July 9, 1924. They had no children.

Viola was a homemaker, a member of the First United Methodist Church of Parsons, and active in the River City Garden Club. Her legacy is also remembered through the William Mahan Harman Memorial Fund.