Florence Ryan "Mom"&
S.N. 'DOC' ELLIOTT
Doc, nicknamed after his physician uncle, moved to Mannington in 1892. After establishing himself as a wildcatter in the oil fields, Elliott married Florence ‘Mom’ Ryan in 1920; together they raised 12 children.
Though they never shied away from hardship, the volatile fortunes of the early oil industry tested the Elliotts. Even during times of scarcity, the Elliotts extended their generosity, cultivating deep connections in their community, opening their doors to those in need, and instilling a profound sense of compassion and service in their ever-growing family.
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OUR STORY
1983
1988
1984-2019
2019
2023
2024
In honor of their family patriarch, grandson James Mills and daughter Mary 'Boots' McLain establish the S.N. “Doc” Elliott Scholarship. Mark Haught of Mannington is named the first recipient.
At the age of 107, 'Doc' passes away.
'Mom' passes three years later at the age of 92.
Recognizing academic achievement and financial need, more than 40 North Marion graduates received scholarships made possible through yearly donations from Elliott family members, along with the dedication of grandson Samuel Nelson Elliott III (“Nelson”), a beloved North Marion math teacher who served as the heartbeat of the scholarship for 37 years—inspiring students and even selling bottled water from his classroom to help sustain the fund.
As he retired, Nelson passes the stewardship of the scholarship to the next generation, great-grandchildren Stephanie Spears Tomana and Andy Morris.
Nelson passes unexpectedly.
In honor of Nelson and those who came before us, the scholarship evolves from a family-funded initiative into a fully recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit—the Samuel Nelson Elliott Foundation—ensuring the Elliott family’s legacy continues to uplift future generations.
The Foundation awards its first scholarship under the new name while the First Annual Nelson Elliott Memorial Golf Scramble marked the exciting new chapter.
ELLIOTT
Nelson
Samuel Nelson Elliott III was a devoted educator, coach, and family man whose influence on North Marion High School and the greater Marion County community remains profound.
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Nelson earned his degree in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, and a master’s in Mathematics from West Virginia University before returning home to teach and raise his family.
For decades, he inspired students in the classroom and on the field—teaching math at North Marion High School and Fairmont State University, and coaching football, baseball, and soccer.
Nelson was beloved not only for his dedication to education and athletics but for his boundless kindness, generosity, and humor. He was often described as “the kindest person I’ve ever known.”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephanie
Spears Tomana
President
Mark Morris, RPh
Vice President
Andrew Morris
Treasurer
Regina Elliott
Secretary
