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

Rhoda Lee (Bias) Powers

Rhoda Lee (Bias) Powers, age 68, of Buckhannon, WV passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at home comforted by her beloved family. She was born in Buckhannon on April 23, 1954, a daughter of the late William Louis Bias and Carol Jean (Ervin) Bias. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Julia Ann (Bias) Simons.

Rhoda is survived by her daughter, Roxanna Lee Johnson with partner Steve McCartney, and son Darrell Shane Powers with wife Nina. In addition to her children, she is survived by grandchildren Christopher, Makayla, Morgan, Michael, Makenna, Kasandra, Cedric, Ariana, Leon, and Nina Rose, and great-grandchildren Kylee, Mason, Camilla, and Persephone, all of whom love her tremendously.

Rhoda was a 1972 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School. She enjoyed being an in-home personal caregiver, in addition to working at B&B Mart (now Rock Cave IGA) and the Game Farm (now WV State Wildlife Center) for many years. Rhoda read romance, suspense, and historical books, and was an avid watcher of Crime, Investigation, and Science Fiction television. Mostly however, Rhoda loved being with her family.

The family will receive friends at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 10-11:00 AM, the funeral hour. Interment will follow in the Salem Ridge Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be extended to the Powers family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Powers family has entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services with funeral 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

Basketball ‘Cats drop 78-72 home verdict to Wheeling

Wheeling held off a West Virginia Wesleyan rally to win 78–72 at the Rockefeller Center after the Bobcats erased a 23-point deficit but fell short in the final minutes.

Wesleyan women improve to 6-2 after 72-67 home win over Wheeling

West Virginia Wesleyan improved to 6-2 after outscoring Wheeling in the fourth and dominating the boards, winning 72-67 behind Emma Witt’s 20 points and 16 rebounds.

Help wanted: Buckhannon Waste Collection Department is hiring a full-time garbage truck collection helper

The City of Buckhannon Waste Collection Department is accepting applications through Jan. 23, 2026, for a full-time garbage truck collection helper.

Buckhannon City Council sends proposed vape shop ordinance to planning commission for analysis

The ordinance proposed by the Tobacco Prevention Coalition would bar new vape and smoke shops within 1,500 feet of schools, parks, churches, libraries and other protected areas. City council voted unanimously to send the measure to the planning commission for review.
walking healthy

Local groups announce that a new Mountaineer Mile wellness trail is coming to the Buckhannon Riverwalk

Officials say the new wellness trail in Buckhannon will expand local opportunities for health‑focused outdoor recreation. A ribbon-cutting for is set for noon Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at the Buckhannon Walk Trail, near the baseball field.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: January 6, 2026

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a meeting on January 6, 2026, and this notice summarizes the agenda items to be discussed.

Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board Agenda: January 6, 2026

The Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board will hold a meeting on January 6, 2026, with the published agenda outlining items to be considered by the board.
Buckhannon River

Buckhannon River Watershed Association among recipients of state infrastructure grants

The Buckhannon River Watershed Association will receive a $5,000 Stream Partners Program grant as part of more than $15.4 million announced for water, sewer and conservation projects statewide. The funding supports river and watershed protection work.

Southern Upshur Business Association returns Fiddler’s Mill to Upshur County Commission

The Southern Upshur Business Association says it can no longer maintain Fiddler’s Mill because of limited funds and volunteers. SUBA will officially relinquish operations Dec. 31, 2025, and the property will revert to the Upshur County Commission.

St. Joseph’s Hospital welcomes the first baby of 2026

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital rang in the new year with the birth of Charlotte Renea Mitchell at 4 a.m. Jan. 1.

Sandra Kay Currence

Sandra Kay Currence, 78, a longtime Buckhannon educator and former Tennerton Elementary teacher and principal, died December 31, 2025, and is survived by her husband Kenneth Currence, two sons, and four grandchildren.

Carpenter Crunch Time: That’s a wrap!

After a brief break, local sports columnist Duane Carpenter wraps up the 2025 football season, highlights surprising high school and college outcomes, criticizes excess bowl games, and announces contest winners and plans for 2026 coverage.