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

Buckhannon Water Board Agenda: December 11, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Water Board will hold a meeting December 11, 2025, and this notice publishes the agenda for that session.

WVWC becomes second U.S. college to offer varsity pickleball scholarships

West Virginia Wesleyan College will launch the second varsity scholarship-offering college pickleball program in the U.S. and the first in West Virginia, with plans to renovate the former tennis courts beside Ross Field.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Weekly Upshur County sports calendar lists basketball, swimming and wrestling events for Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan teams Dec. 8–13, including multiple middle, varsity and college matchups and duals.

Upshur County to split $39,835 in fire funding evenly among seven departments

Upshur County commissioners voted to distribute a $39,835 All-County Fire Protection Funding allotment equally among the county’s seven fire departments. Commissioners also approved contracts and personnel actions during their Dec. 4 meeting.

Buckhannon peer liaison helps homeless, people with addiction, city officials say

Buckhannon Police Department Peer Liaison Erica Bennett told city council she has helped people experiencing homelessness and substance use get into housing and treatment, distributed Narcan and built relationships with local hospitals and rehabs.

Basketball ‘Cats struggle in 104-54 road loss to Falcons

Fairmont State overwhelmed West Virginia Wesleyan 104–54, capitalizing on 22 turnovers, hot shooting (50.7% and 13 threes) and 20 second-chance points while Wesleyan’s bench and rebounding efforts fell short.

Dandridge has 23 points off the bench, but Wesleyan women fall to FSU, 90-78

Kilah Dandridge scored 23 off the bench and Ana Young added 21, but West Virginia Wesleyan fell to Fairmont State 90-78 despite shooting over 61 percent.

Joyce Marie Haynes

Joyce Marie Haynes, 73, of Buckhannon, WV, died Dec. 6, 2025; she is survived by two daughters, 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, four siblings, and will be cremated per her wishes.

Buckhannon Academy Elementary to present “December in My Hometown” musical performance at Wesley Chapel

Buckhannon Academy Elementary will present its December in My Hometown musical at Wesley Chapel at West Virginia Wesleyan on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., showcasing diverse songs from all grade levels after months of practice.

Beverly woman charged with drug conspiracy involving methamphetamine

A 37-year-old woman faces five to 30 years in prison after a traffic stop allegedly uncovered drugs, cash and text messages about purchasing a pound of methamphetamine.

Upshur County Schools announces Pre-K registration days for January

Upshur County Schools has announced Pre-K Registration Days at schools throughout the county in January. Parents can register their youngest learners at various locations starting Jan. 9.

Dustin Lee Young

Dustin Lee Young, 43, of Orlando, WV, a Buckhannon-Upshur High School graduate who loved the outdoors, movies and animals, died December 4, 2025; visitation and funeral will be held at Clutter Funeral and Cremation.