Mae Shumate Belcher

Mae Shumate Belcher (April 14, 1904 – August 8, 1999) was an American politician, educator, and education administrator. She was the first woman elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, serving two terms.

Early life and education Belcher was born in Saulsville, West Virginia on April 14, 1904. She was the daughter of Elien Acord Schumant and William Riley Shumate, a farmer, merchant, and teacher. She had three brothers and three sisters. She was a member of the first class of Milam High School in McGraws, West Virginia. She graduated from Athens High School in Athens, West Virginia in 1923. After starting work as a classroom teacher, she attended summer school at Concord College, receiving a Bachelor's degree in 1943. She was a member of the executive committee of the West Virginia Association of School Superintendents, president of the Wyoming County Classroom Teachers Association, and president of the Southern Area Supervisors Association.

Belecher was elected to the first class of the Milam High School Hall of Fame and to the Glen Rogers High School Hall of Fame. She attended the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. She belonged to the Pineville First United Methodist Church where she was president of the United Methodist Women.

After a long illness, Belcher died in her home in Pineville, West Virginia on August 6, 1999, at the age of 95 years. She was buried in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens mausoleum in Beckley, West Virginia. After her death, her husband established the Wirt C. and Mae S. Belcher Endowment Fund at West Virginia University.