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

Engineers say building new Buckhannon water plant more cost-effective than continued upgrades

Engineers say Buckhannon’s 1960s water plant is past its prime. A feasibility study concluded that building a new facility near the current site will be cheaper in the long run than repeated retrofits.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports schedule lists local high school and college football, soccer, volleyball, cross country, swimming and tennis events at Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan from Oct. 20–26.

Soccer Lady ‘Cats get blanked at home by Frostburg State, 2-0

West Virginia Wesleyan fell 2-0 at home to Frostburg State as Mary Greco and substitute Rayiah Davis scored, while Wesleyan pressed late but couldn’t convert against goalkeeper Kayla Doty.

Soccer ‘Cats suffer rough 5-0 road loss to Concord

ATHENS — The West Virginia Wesleyan men’s soccer team faced a tough test on the road Saturday afternoon, falling 5–0…

WVWC Tennis

Wesleyan women’s tennis knocks off East Stroudsburg, 6-1

West Virginia Wesleyan’s women’s tennis team beat East Stroudsburg 6-1, with singles wins from five players and doubles victories by Jansen van Vuuren/Pozzobon and Sakurai/Sundaraneedi.
WVWC Volleyball

Wesleyan volleyball stumbles in 3-0 loss to West Liberty

West Virginia Wesleyan fell in straight sets to West Liberty, 25–12, 25–16, 29–27, dropping to 13–6 (5–2 MEC) despite strong efforts from Bhrooke Axe and Emily Denison.
WVWC Football Feature Image

Football ‘Cats drop 35-11 decision to West Liberty

West Virginia Wesleyan fell 35–11 to West Liberty as Hunter Patterson rushed for 247 yards and three TDs while the Bobcats’ late rally, keyed by freshman Logan Landers, fell short.

WVWC Exemplary Teaching Award presented to Dr. Tamara Bailey

Dr. Tamara Denmark Bailey, an assistant professor of history known for high academic standards and leadership of the Wesleyan Abroad program, received West Virginia Wesleyan College’s 2025 Exemplary Teaching Award at Founders Day.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: October 23, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board will meet October 23, 2025, and this article lists the meeting agenda.

High Point Construction downs Highland Landscaping for Men’s Golf League title

High Point Construction clinched the Bob Cupp Memorial League title, edging Highland Landscaping 46½-43½ at Buckhannon Country Club as Chris Brady shot a 72 and Greg Jones posted low net 69.

WVWC Names Kyle Hoffman as New Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics

West Virginia Wesleyan College named Kyle Hoffman its vice president for intercollegiate athletics, succeeding Dr. Rae Emrick, who will transition to senior advisor for athletics after three decades of service.
WVWC Volleyball

Wesleyan volleyball sweeps Wheeling, 3-0

West Virginia Wesleyan swept Wheeling 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-17), improving to 13-5 overall and 5-1 in MEC play behind Bhrooke Axe’s 14 kills and strong contributions across the lineup.