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

Norma June Winfree

Norma June Winfree, 89, of French Creek, WV, entered into eternal rest August 24, 2022.  

She was born October 27, 1932, in Webster County, WV to Verdon B. and Betty Hamrick. She was married to Andrew Lewis Winfree on Feb. 17, 1953.  Survivors include three sons: Dale (Linda C.) of Wellington, OH, Mark (Linda R.) of Oberlin, OH, and Larry (Yvonne) of North Ridgeville, OH; five grandchildren: Sarah Winfree, Andrew Winfree, Hannah (Rob) Gallo, Melissa (Alex) Lyons, and Matthew (Amanda) Winfree; four great grandchildren: Rowin and Payne Gallo, Josiah Winfree, and Eleanor Lyons; sisters: Elma Post of Clarksburg, WV, Leota Eastburn of Mechanicsville, Maryland, and Regina McAlpine of Jackson, Mississippi; brothers: Eldon Hamrick of New Castle, Delaware, and Nelson Hamrick of French Creek, WV.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Lewis Winfree, one sister, Phyllis Post, and two brothers, Clinton Hamrick and Shelton Hamrick, and half-brother, Gordon Hamrick.

Norma was a devoted wife. When her first son, Dale, was one year old her husband joined the US Army and they spent one year in North Carolina, three years in Germany (where second son, Mark, was born), and a year in Georgia. After that they spent 2 years in WV (where third son, Larry, was born) and moved to Elyria, Ohio in 1963.  She worked as a church secretary when all 3 boys were in school. And she refinished and sold antique furniture in their antique shop for 12 years. After closing the shop, and with the boys out on their own, they traveled the southwestern US where they spent many winters in their travel trailer.

Norma and Andy moved to French Creek, WV in 1996 where they lived the rest of their lives.  Andy was a dreamer and always seemed to have a building project in the works, and Norma was always right there beside him.  Her faith in Jesus Christ was very important to her and she set a good example for her family and all others who knew her. She served as a greeter at Cornerstone Community Church in Buckhannon, WV for many years.

The picture shows her at the Easter egg hunt just two days before the stroke that ultimately ended her life. She had so much love for her family and will be sorely missed.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of this wonderful woman will be held at 11 am, Saturday, October 22 at Cornerstone Community Church in Buckhannon, WV.  Online condolences may be extended to the Winfree family at www.heavnerandcutright.com  

The Winfree family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services with 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

Mother arrested for child neglect after police find wanted man, drugs in home

Latachia A. Weese, 30, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect after allegedly admitting to being high while caring for her two young children in a residence containing drugs and firearms.

Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly choking his mother

Timothy A. Tenney, 37, of Buckhannon, was arrested and charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor domestic battery after allegedly attacking and choking his mother.

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.

Strawberry Festival parade showcases power of music to connect communities — and cultures

A musical exchange between Bridgeport High School and Carmen Southeast High brought Appalachian and Latin rhythms — and award-winning performances — to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, fostering cross-cultural friendships and greater musical understanding among students.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trails see major growth thanks to dedicated volunteers

Thanks to the volunteer-driven Upshur County Trails group, Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trail system has expanded to about 10 miles, supporting biking, hiking, and community events while fostering local partnerships and youth engagement.

WVWC Student Senate names faculty, staff members of the year

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate honored Dr. Alexis de Coning and Amy Rogosky as Faculty and Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication to students and the campus community.

Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas from May 30 – June 1

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas, WV, May 30–June 1, offering expanded clinics, vendors, competitions, family activities, and community gatherings for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jaxon Spratt and Rylen Carlyle

Jaxon Spratt, a standout baseball catcher, and Rylen Carlyle, a talented track athlete, were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their performances in regional competition for Buckhannon-Upshur.
BUHS Golf Feature Image

Parker and Westfall to represent B-U in North-South All-Star Golf Tournament

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Parker Lockwood and Jevon Westfall will represent the North Bears in the second annual North-South All-Star Golf Tournament at Little Creek Golf Course, joining seven other top high school golfers.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 20, 2025

Buckhannon residents can look forward to the Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle, school art show reception, FFA greenhouse sale, and a community book swap event at The Yellow Door.

Allyson Peters Lewis honored with prestigious honorary American FFA degree at National FFA Convention & Expo

Allyson Peters Lewis, a dedicated agricultural educator, has been awarded the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for her long-standing commitment to advancing agricultural education and inspiring student success nationwide.

Retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen recognized for service and sacrifice

Retired Buckhannon Volunteer Firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen were honored by the Buckhannon Fire Department for their years of service and sacrifice during the annual Friendly Way Day celebration.