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

Wilma Jean Hamner Phillips

Wilma Jean Hamner Phillips passed from this life on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, under the care of Mountain Hospice at Mansfield Place in Philippi, W.Va. 

She was born at Sago, W.Va., the daughter of the late Lyle and Bernice Tenney Hamner.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, John Franklin Phillips; son John Wayne Phillips and wife Eileen; grandson Matthew Phillips; daughter Pamela Dawn Hawkins; and three sisters:  Virginia Allman, Ruth Hamner, and Gloria Rae Hamner. 

She is survived by two sons:  Robert Dewayne Phillips and wife Lisa of Buckhannon and Steven Blaine Phillips and wife Carolyn of French Creek; two daughters:  Gloria Ann and husband Rev. David L. Fisher of Buckhannon and Debra Sue and husband Franklin Ryan of French Creek; and one son-in-law Arnold Hawkins of Buckhannon.  Wilma enjoyed her seventeen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Wilma worked for the Upshur County Board of Education teaching children the love of reading, which she enjoyed for many years. Wilma enjoyed gardening, quilting, and being and educator. She lived her life serving God as her Savior and loved her church family, neighbors, friends, and especially children. She was a devout Christian and member of the French Creek United Methodist Church where she was the official greeter and hugger as people entered for services; she loved giving away her hugs. 

The family extends a special thanks to Cathy Bonner and Margaret Anderson for their loving care of her at home. Wilma will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family will receive friends at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Friday, April 9, 2021, from 10-11 a.m. — the funeral hour, with the Rev. David L. Fisher officiating.  Interment will follow in the Buckhannon Memorial Park. 

Online condolences may be extended to the Phillips family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Phillips 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

Basketball ‘Cats have no answers for UC’s offense in 100-58 setback

Charleston rolled to a 100–58 Mountain East Conference win over West Virginia Wesleyan, led by Matthew Shelton’s 20 points and strong depth as the Bobcats fell to 0–14.

Wesleyan women drop game at the buzzer to Charleston, 53-51

West Virginia Wesleyan fell 53-51 to Charleston after a final-second layup, despite Sydney Baird’s 14 points and Kilah Dandridge’s 12 points and five assists in a tightly contested Mountain East Conference game.

Tucker and Pingley record double-doubles as B-U secures first win of the year with a 58-43 victory over Robert C. Byrd

Madelyn Tucker and Emma Pingley each posted double-doubles as Buckhannon-Upshur earned its first win, defeating Robert C. Byrd 58-43 behind Tucker’s 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Election Update: The latest local candidate filings as of January 14

Candidate filings are underway for the May 12, 2026, Primary Election, with early entries for county commission, school board and city recorder. The filing deadline is Jan. 31, 2026.

Winter weather advisory issued for Upshur County as snow moves in

A winter weather advisory is in effect for Upshur County from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Thursday as a fast-moving system could bring 2–4 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph.

Mountain CAP to host free tax assistance, financial services event January 30

The Mountain CAP Family Support Center and the North Central EITC Coalition/VITA will host a free Earned Income Tax Credit event on Jan. 30 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at 30 E. Main St. in Buckhannon. Tap the story for details.

St. Joseph’s Hospital launches Senior Life Solutions program to help older adults manage anxiety and depression

St. Joseph’s Hospital is bringing the Senior Life Solutions program to Buckhannon to support seniors facing depression, anxiety and major life changes. The program offers group sessions, individual and family therapy, and medication management—no referral required.

Charles James Poundstone Jr.

Charles James Poundstone Jr., 68, of Buckhannon, WV, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, storyteller and outdoorsman, passed away January 12, 2026, and will be remembered for his warmth, generosity and love of family.

Wesleyan swim teams fall to Davis & Elkins

Davis & Elkins swept West Virginia Wesleyan, winning the women’s meet 125–26 and the men’s meet 112–35 despite season-best performances from Wesleyan swimmers including Bre Waldron and Aaron Dworsky.

MLK Day dinner and program planned for January 19 at WVWC

West Virginia Wesleyan College will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19 with an annual dinner and program. Keynote speaker Danielle Walker will discuss “Non-violence 365: Creating a Community of Peace and Love,” with music by student and guest vocalists.

Buckhannon woman faces felony charges after allegedly fleeing from deputy, crashing into tree

A Buckhannon woman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly fleeing from a deputy and crashing a minivan into a tree early Tuesday. Authorities say she then tried to run away on foot.

Karen Gail Eubanks Oxford

Karen Gail Eubanks Oxford, 79, a former Lubbock greenhouse manager and avid card player who lived in Texas, Florida and West Virginia, died January 11, 2026, and is survived by three children, siblings and eight grandchildren.