All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Edna Loretta Florence

Edna Loretta Florence, age 82, of Bridgeport, died Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport.  

She was born on April 25, 1941, in Reedy, WV, a daughter of the late Thomas Edgar and Edna West McCutcheon.  

On June 22, 1963, she was united in marriage to Charles Clarence Florence, Jr., who survives.  Also surviving are three daughters:  Renee and husband Russ Warner of Buckhannon, Denene and wife Cindy Quinton of Morgantown, and Charlea and husband Rev. Dr. Ken Ramsey of Bridgeport; five grandchildren:  Brittany and husband Ryan Conover, Caitlin Warner and fiancé Frederik Brondsted, Courtney and husband Justin Walton, Jared Ramsey and wife Andrea, and Kristen and husband Todd Gutta; three great grandchildren:  Kiralym Conover, and Leo and Elly Ramsey; one sister Phyllis Metzger of Orange, VA; one brother Rev. Calvin McCutcheon and wife Sandra of Buckhannon; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and special fur-grandbabies:  Maddie and Louie Quinton.  

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two brothers:  Durward and James Randall McCutcheon. 

Mrs. Florence was a long-time educator and principal, dearly loved and respected as a mother-figure by faculty, staff, and students alike.  She instilled confidence in those with whom she worked through mentoring and always reminding them of their importance.  Numerous students fondly remember her telling them, “You are important.”  She also helped to brighten the days of others as she gifted them with her favorite flower—roses.  

Her professional memberships included the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority and the WV Elementary Principals’ Association.  A United Methodist by faith, Mrs. Florence was a member of the Wesley UMC in Morgantown, where she enjoyed participating in Bible studies.  Her spirit of service and dedication will continue to shine in the lives of countless fellow educators, students, friends, and her family.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 5-7:00 PM, at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel.  A funeral will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at the funeral chapel with the Rev. Dr. Ken Ramsey officiating.  Private interment will be made in the McCutcheon Cemetery near Reedy, WV. 

 Online condolences may be extended to the Florence family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Florence family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Local photographers featured in state’s free wildflower calendar

Several Buckhannon-Upshur Camera Club members were honored with inclusion in the state’s annual wildflower calendar, which is now available to order for free.

Trumps Salon angel tree helps high school students in Buckhannon have Christmas

Trumps Salon is seeking to help 22 high school students on its Angel Tree with requested items to make their holidays brighter. Gifts and donations can be dropped off at the salon on Main Street by December 12.

Upshur County businesses eligible for federal disaster loans after fall drought

Small businesses and nonprofits in Upshur County can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans after drought conditions this fall caused economic losses. The loans cover working capital needs even without physical damage.

Mary Lucille Brady

Mary Lucille Brady Tenney of Hall, WV, mother and grandmother, who with former husband Virgil White owned a Buckhannon furniture store and later worked as an executive secretary, died; she will be cremated with a private family service planned.

Carl Blaine Norman

Carl Blaine Norman, 84, a Buckhannon native, Army veteran and former coal miner who enjoyed reading and tinkering on cars, died November 25, 2025, and is survived by children, siblings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 14: The annual “Things I’m not thankful for” column

Local sports columnist Duane Carpenter lists his top three 2025 sports grievances—Rich Rodriguez at WVU, Darian and Tucker DeVries’ departures, and clickbait sports algorithms—then recaps weekly picks and high school football matchups.

Wesleyan announces Mike Kellar as new head football coach

West Virginia Wesleyan hired Glenville State veteran coach Mike Kellar, a former MEC quarterback and coach with an 87-63 record, to rebuild a program mired in a 34-game losing streak and assemble a new staff.

WVU expert offers tips for navigating Thanksgiving family tensions

Forget the turkey and stuffing. The real Thanksgiving tradition is family conflict: A West Virginia University professor says holiday gatherings can resurrect childhood roles and dormant tensions. She offers strategies to keep the focus on gratitude rather than conflict.

WVWC’s new columbarium provides perpetual home among the hills

West Virginia Wesleyan College has installed a new columbarium in the West Meditation Chapel, made possible through a donation by alumnus Rev. Dewayne Lowther ’57.

Buckhannon man charged with retaliation against police officer

A Buckhannon man faces a felony retaliation charge after allegedly threatening deputy: “My brother is going to come get you with a 45.”

Update: Runaway juvenile found Tuesday

Update: A 14-year-old male who ran away from a residence on Old Elkins Road in Buckhannon has been located.

Upshur County Public Library to host Mario tournament in December

Upshur County Public Library will host a Mario tournament on December 4 from 5 to 6 p.m. on the library’s new large screen TV. Small prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers.