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

Mary Lou Harper

Mary Lou Harper, age 75, of Petersburg, WV, died Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, VA.

She was born February 11, 1949, in Richwood, WV, a daughter of the late Glen and Mildred Pearl Kniceley McCoy. On September 14, 1968 she married Ernest Harper, whom she shared over 55 years with; one daughter, Christy Caine of Sutton, WV; one son, Lester Harper and wife Heather of Petersburg; five grandchildren, Kayla Nichole Underwood and husband Taylor of Beckley, WV, and Kurtis, Kyle, Kiersten and Kassidy Harper all of Petersburg; one great granddaughter, Claira Underwood of Beckley; one uncle, Charlie Kniceley and wife Peggy of Weston, WV and two brothers, Eddie McCoy and wife Mary and Gary McCoy and wife Reta all of Buckhannon.

Mrs. Harper was brilliant, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class. She spent most of her career as a legal secretary. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed collecting McCoy pottery and taking care of her many house plants. Above all, she absolutely lived for her family and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with them.

Friends will be received Friday, March 15, 2024, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Friday at the funeral home with Wilbert Harper officiating. Burial will follow in the Morrison Ridge Church Cemetery in Braxton County, WV.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of 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

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: November 6, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council will meet November 6, 2025, to consider the items listed on its posted agenda.

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: Nov. 3-7, 2025

Buckhannon’s weekly calendar lists curbside recycling and yard waste collections, board and City Council meetings, a National Adoption Month proclamation, upcoming parades and events, a new $33 million water plant FAQ, and community program dates.

Retha “Imogene” Howes

Retha “Imogene” Howes, 73, of Heaston Ridge, died November 2, 2025, after a long battle with dementia, leaving her husband Harold, three children, grandchildren, and a legacy of faith, family and community service.

St. Joseph’s Hospital adds second CT scanner, enhancing cardiac and lung imaging capacity

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has installed a second Canon Prism CT scanner, boosting cardiac and low-dose lung imaging, reducing wait times and improving community access to imaging options.

Soccer ‘Cats can’t overcome early deficit in 3-1 loss to Frostburg State

West Virginia Wesleyan rallied in the second half but could not overcome an early two-goal deficit, falling 3-1 to Frostburg State despite outshooting the visitors and Ahmed Abdelsalam’s late goal.

Soccer Lady ‘Cats suffer 2-1 loss to Concord

West Virginia Wesleyan fell 2–1 to Concord after early goals from Stephanie Tovar and Katie Garratt held despite Paloma Zamora’s equalizer and a strong outing from goalkeeper Maite Coutinho.

Session 2: Leadership Upshur fellows reflect on an inspiring day in Charleston

Leadership Upshur fellows spent a day in Charleston learning from state and civic leaders about collaboration, gratitude, workforce development, influence, personal branding and public service, with a Capitol visit inspiring optimism for West Virginia’s future.

One person killed in ATV crash in southern Upshur County

An ATV crash on Gougerville Road in southern Upshur County on Friday killed one person, and authorities say the single-vehicle wreck is under investigation with additional details pending.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports schedule includes high school and college matchups in football, volleyball, soccer, cross country and an exhibition basketball game from Nov. 3–9, highlighted by regional volleyball and NCAA cross country competition.

Charleston runs past Wesleyan in MEC football action, 69-15

Charleston dominated West Virginia Wesleyan 69–15, rushing for 285 yards and seven TDs as Joshua Donald and Jamal Wallace Jr. led the attack while Wesleyan’s Landers threw for 196 yards and Eudean Dobson returned a blocked PAT.

Buckhannon Community Theatre seeks creative team for 2026 season: Applications due Nov. 30

Buckhannon Community Theatre is seeking directors, music directors, choreographers, costumers and stage managers for its 2026 season, covering four shows, with applications due by Nov. 30, 2025 via email.

Roy Lee “RJ” Lahman

Roy Lee “RJ” Lahman, 32, of Rock Cave, WV, a logger and outdoorsman, died Oct. 31, 2025, in an ATV accident and is survived by his parents, siblings, extended family and preceded in death by his daughter.