MONTE RAY FISHER
Monte Ray Fisher, 69, of Hurricane, passed away unexpectedly on September 30, 2025. He was born to the late William Ray Fisher and Ruth I. Waybright Fisher on July 15, 1956.
Monte was an avid fisherman that loved to spend time with his friends and family as well as attending grandchildren’s games. He was a 1974 graduate of St. Albans High School, started his career with Union Carbide then later retiring from Bayer Crop Science and lastly Nitro Mechanical.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Debra L. Smith Fisher; children, Michael (Kate) Fisher of Cross Lanes and their son, Mitchell; and Heather (Jason) Brogan of Hurricane and her children: Noah and Kelsey Miller, their father and former son in-law, Trevor Miller; Heather’s step children: Jaxon and Sawyer Brogan; sisters: Cindy (Ray) Smith of Tulsa, OK, René (Shelba) Vincell of Franklin, WV and Jill (Jim) Justice of Scott Depot; and his step mother: Patricia Fisher of Scott Depot, as well as several nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
In accordance with Monte’s wishes, he will be cremated with burial at a later date in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens in Cross Lanes.
SHARON MILLER
Sharon Miller, 85, of Winfield, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025.
She was born July 9, 1940 in Eleanor, the daughter of Otho and Geraldine Sayre Higginbotham. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Harry.
Sharon retired from Orders Construction and was formerly employed at Shippers Car Lines. She was a member of Bancroft Church of Christ. She loved to go camping. Sharon was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister that will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughters Felicia Williams, of Eleanor, Lou Anne Kennedy (Neil), of Scott Depot, grandchildren Gregory Circle (Elizabeth), Anna Circle, Michael Circle (Debra), Sarah Williams, Philip Kennedy (Baylee), and Caleb Kennedy (Heidi), 11 great-grandchildren, brothers Ronnie Higginbotham, and John Higginbotham (Vanessa), both of Eleanor and special friend Leon Toothman, of Winfield.
Celebration of Sharon’s life was held Thursday, 9, 2025 at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home with Minister Danny Underwood officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mt. Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
TERESA ANN NISBET
Teresa Ann Nisbet, 66, of Nitro, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on October 3, 2025 at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston.
She was born to the late Modina Smith and Guy Laffoon Nisbet II on March 27, 1959. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Phillip Scott Nisbet.
Teresa graduated from Winfield High School in 1977 and attended Charleston College in Institute. She worked in her father’s grocery store, Winfield Supermarket, for many years and also at Tudors Biscuit World until her retirement.
She enjoyed her faith, family and her loving dog, Nan. She had a loving heart and will be missed by many.
Teresa is survived by her daughter, Medina Nicole Richmond (Austin Toler) of Nitro; her grandchildren: Caden Michael Wayne Richmond and Lillian Nicole Richmond-Toler. She is also survived by her son, Bryant Nisbet of Charleston; brother, Guy Lafoon Nisbet III of South Charleston; niece, Jessica R. Scalf; nephews: Nathan and Jonathan Nisbet; aunt, Emma Francis Nisbet Firetti of South Charleston; and cousins: Valerie Kieffer Smirlock, Christina Firetti Kerr, Joanna Firetti Hall, and Joey Firetti.
In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated.
DEBORAH JANE SPICER
Deborah Jane Spicer, 67, of Hurricane, passed away on September 26, 2025, after a courageous eleven-year battle with cancer.
Born on August 2, 1958 in Huntington, Debbie was the daughter of Betty Jane Hager Bailey and the late Charles Milton Bailey Jr.. In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Charles David Bailey; and her beloved in-laws: Gertrude A. and Kenneth M. Spicer.
From an early age, Debbie carried a love for learning that shaped her life’s work and inspired everyone around her. She graduated from Vinson High School, went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Marshall University, a Master’s from West Virginia College of Graduate Studies, and later a second Master’s from West Virginia University. While at Marshall, she was a proud member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, where she built friendships that lasted her lifetime.
Education was not just Debbie’s career; it was her calling. She began teaching Exceptional Education at Cheat Lake Elementary, where she was quickly recognized as Monongalia County’s Special Education Educator of the Year. Over the years, she served students and families across Putnam County as an Educational Diagnostician, Assistant Principal at Poca Middle School, and as Principal of both Hometown Elementary and Hurricane Town Elementary.
Her vision and leadership left a lasting mark. She was instrumental in bringing Franklin Covey’s The Leader in Me program to schools across Putnam County, helping Hurricane Town Elementary achieve the rare designation of a “Lighthouse School.” For her tireless commitment to children, she was honored as Putnam County’s Administrator of the Year. Even after retirement, Debbie continued her work in education by training teachers in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and tutoring students at local schools.
As dedicated as she was to her work, Debbie’s greatest devotion was always to her family. She was fiercely loyal and protective, finding her greatest joy in supporting the people she loved. She poured herself completely into being a daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and “Nan,” and her family always knew they were her highest priority.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Craig Spicer; sons: Jared (Banks) Spicer of Charlotte, NC, and Chase Spicer of Cornelius, NC; and her granddaughters, Talbot and Sutton Spicer of Charlotte, NC, who lovingly called her “Nan.” She is also survived by Cindy (Ryan) Cassell of Pritchard, WV; Christie (Dannie) Crum of Buffalo, WV; Crissy (Larry) Wall of West Frankfort, IL; Sean Spicer of West Frankfort, IL; as well as many cherished aunts, cousins, great-nieces, nephews, and dear friends who became like family.
Debbie’s warmth and generosity created a sense of belonging for everyone who knew her. Her home was always open, her table always full. She loved the beach, long days at the lake, Jimmy Buffett music, beautiful flowers and cheering on Marshall Football, but most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family.
Funeral service for Debbie was Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home with burial to follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Huntington.
VERONICA JOYCE MOORE THORNHILL
Veronica Joyce Moore Thornhill, 47, of Poca, passed away on September 26, 2025, at Hubbard Hospice House after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Keith and Rita Moore; paternal grandparents: Charles and Alline Moore; maternal grandparents: Watson and Naomi “Tissie” Bailey; uncles: Paul Moore and Donald King; aunts: Karen “Decie” Painter and Dimmia King; cousins: Arnie Painter and Matthew Humphries; and her nephew, David Moore.
After graduating from Poca High School, Veronica became a dedicated employee of City Holding Company, where she has worked for 28 years.
Outside of work, everyone knew that you could always count on Veronica to be at any special event, cheering on a friend or family member. She truly enjoyed supporting everyone that she loved.
Veronica is survived by her brother, Jeff Moore (Kristy); nephew, Justin Moore (Rae); niece-in-law, Kaitlyn Moore; great nieces: Kylee and Kinslee Moore; great nephews: Bentley and Easton Moore; aunts: Mary Lynn Moore Shultz (Bill) and Bootie Dorsey; uncle, Gary Painter; her partner, Jason Jones and his children, Hannah and Karleigh. She also leaves behind several cousins and friends that all loved her dearly.
Funeral service for Veronica was Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield, with Pastor Delbert Hawley and Pastor Sherry Shamblin officiating.