REV. WILLIAM B. FULKS
The Rev. William B. “Bill” Fulks, 87, of Scott Depot, died on December 1, 2025. Bill was a retired Episcopal priest and a devoted member of St. Timothy’s in the Valley Episcopal Church.
He was born on February 18, 1938, in Huntington, to the late F. Hicks and Mary Ellen Fulks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Virginia Leigh Thacker.
Bill graduated from Huntington High School in 1956 and from Marshall College in 1961 with a degree in Philosophy. He earned his Master of Divinity in 1964 from Bexley Hall Seminary at Kenyon College in Gambier, OH. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 1, 1964 — a calling he lived faithfully for 61 years to the day.
Throughout his long ministry, Bill served congregations across West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, including Church of the Transfiguration, Buckhannon; Calvary Church, Montgomery; Church of the Good Shepherd, Hansford; St. Peter’s, Huntington; St. Barnabas, Bridgeport; Trinity Church, South Boston, VA; and Emmanuel Church, Quakertown, PA.
In 1979, Bill answered a call to missionary service and spent three years as an Episcopal Church missionary to the Anglican Province of Tanzania, East Africa. While there, he taught at St. Mark’s Theological College in Dar es Salaam. He also served his Diocese in numerous leadership roles, including the Commission on Ministry and the Committee on Canon Law.
Pastoral care, teaching, and mentorship were among his greatest gifts. He was passionate about learning, studying scripture, practicing Swahili, and enjoying many games of chess. His quick wit and humor will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joanne; his daughters, Sharon Maynard (Brent) of Hurricane, and Mary McCabe (Jim) of Wilmington, NC; and his grandchildren, Forrest McCabe of Arlington, VA; Lauren Blazek (Grayson) of Holly Springs, NC; Cameron Maynard (Deena) of Groveport, OH; and William Maynard of Hurricane. He is also survived by his sister Adah Leichty of California.
A memorial service was held December 11, 2025 at St. Timothy’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, Hurricane, with the Rt. Rev. Matthew Cowden officiating.

JOAN MARY GRIFFITH
Joan M. Griffith, 80, of Scott Depot, passed away on November 30, 2025 at home.
She was born in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Louis James and Rose Marie Habyanet.
Joan loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and talking with her friends.
She is survived by her children: Eddie Griffith (Charlotte) of Clarksville, GA, and Mary Aldridge (Randy) of Hurricane; grandchildren: Cole Griffith, Cash Griffith, Logan Aldridge, and Madelyn Aldridge; as well as other friends and family.
Graveside service for Joan was Friday, December 5, 2025, at Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Charleston.

DIANA LYNN HIGGINBOTHAM
Diana Lynn Higginbotham, 69, of Scott Depot, passed away on December 6, 2025, in Paramount Senior Living.
Diana was a 1975 graduate of Dunbar High School and a retired registered nurse from CAMC. Nursing was more than a career to her—it was a calling. She cared deeply for others and carried a gentle, compassionate spirit into every room she entered. She loved singing and listening to music, filling her days and home with melodies that brought her joy. Diana also enjoyed crafting and treasured her memorable trips to Disney, a place that always made her smile.
She is preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Charles “Bud” Higginbotham; her mother Ruth Roe; and sister Ruthann Riddle.
Left to cherish her memory are her son Michael Higginbotham; father Jack Roe; granddaughter Adeline Higginbotham; brothers Jeffery Roe, Bill Bailes, and Vernon Bailes; sisters Barbara Barker, Gloria Graves, Juanita Howard, and Gleama Flovin; and sisters-in-law Becky (David) Simmons and Patricia (Buzzy) Kail.
A tribute to the life of Diana will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, December 12, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Debra Meadows officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.

PAMELA HOWELL
Pamela Evon Lawson Howell, 76, passed away on December 4, 2025, after a long illness. Pam was a lifelong resident of Hurricane. She was a 1968 graduate of Hurricane High School and attended Marshall University. She was retired from American Electric Power. At the time of her death, she was a resident of Genesis Valley Center in South Charleston.
Pam was born September 30, 1949, the daughter of the late Frederick “Freddie” and Zelma Bird Lawson. She was predeceased by her husband, David K Howell, of Hurricane. She is survived by her sister, Colleen Lawson of Port St Lucie, FL. Pam is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Emily Howell, Lauren Howell, Jacob Howell of Hurricane, Evan Franklin of Washington, WV, sister in law, Nancy Howell of Knoxville, TN, and children Kelly Franklin of Washington, WV, and David Howell of Hurricane. Pam is a also survived by her cherished dog, Ruby Tuesday. Others close to Pam include her cousin, Vicki Rowe of Proctorville, OH, Virgil Edwards of Hurricane, and Joy and Tim Mitchell of Hurricane.
She was a member of Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church in Hurricane and Chapter 116 of the Order of the Eastern Star.
The body will be cremated. A service will be held at a later date.

BISHOP BRYAN J. MATHEWS
Bishop Bryan James Mathews born on November 25, 1967 received his reward on December 5, 2025.
Bryan’s life was set apart at an early age when God called him to preach the Gospel. This call set him on a journey that would take him across the United States and to other nations of the world which include: Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, Nigeria, Zambia, and Ghana.
While on these missions trips he not only offered the people Jesus as the “Living Water” but would also dig wells to provide them with fresh, clean, life-sustaining water.
Bryan began his ministry as an Evangelist in Ohio before coming to West Virginia as a Church of God State Evangelist. That is when he met his wife, Renee (Simmons) Mathews. Together they Evangelized and pastored the Highlawn Avenue Church of God Milton, Bethesda Temple of Praise White Sulphur Springs, as well as St. Louis Harvest Church St. Louis, MO and for the past seventeen years he had the honor to pastor OneLife Church in Culloden. With these forty-three years of ministry, he will be remembered for the countless lives that were saved, healed, delivered and set free.
Bryan became a Mentor and Spiritual Father and to many, he was considered a Hero of the Faith.
Bryan not only served as Evangelist and Pastor but was also selected to serve on various state boards including: the State Council, Evangelism, Youth and World Missions Boards for the WV Church of God. He also served on the New River Ranch Board of Directors and also instrumental in planting new churches for other ministries.
Bryan’s continuing education in ministry includes Christian Life School of Theology and The National Institute of Christian Leadership. Bryan’s love of hunting with his championship dogs resulted in many awards and accolades in the World Tree Dog Association.
While Bryan Mathews accomplished much, faithfully served others, advanced the Kingdom and held many titles, the greatest of these was that of being a father to: Jordan Mathews and wife, Makayla and Destinee (Mathews) Gray and husband, Tristen. Their lives will continue to be a testimony to his legacy.
Bryan was preceeded in death by his parents: Bishop CT and Fran Mathews; sister, Me’Chelle Garcia; and nephew, Travis Garcia.
He is also survived by his sister, Crystal Mathews; and was loved by niece, Erika Anderson; and nephews: Lee Lovejoy and Casey Garcia. Bryan’s wife, Renee and their family will carry on his legacy with honor and dignity and will continue to Advance the Kingdom.
Funeral service for Bryan was Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at OneLife Church, Culloden. Burial was in Forest Memorial Park, Ona.

Rommie H. Parrish
Rommie H. Parrish, 78, of Nitro, passed away December 2, 2025, in CAMC Memorial Division.
Rommie worked for many years as a laborer and was known for his friendly, easygoing nature. He enjoyed attending church and could often be found visiting with friends and neighbors—he never met a stranger and loved to talk with anyone who crossed his path.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harmon Henry and Faye Parrish; siblings Robert, Charles, and Barbara; and his companion, Jeanie Parker.
Rommie is survived by his brothers William, Leo, and John Parrish; special friend Diane Sheets; and a host of nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
A tribute to the life of Rommie was held Monday, December 8, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Martin officiating. Burial was in Wade Chapel Cemetery, Red House.

Robert Edwin Parsons
Robert Edwin Parsons, 75, of Buffalo, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 5, 2025, at his home. He was a 1970 graduate of Buffalo High School. He was a welder by trade and retired from West Virginia Steel. Robert could see the beauty in all things. One of his favorite hobbies was to repair things others would have thrown away. He was beloved by many and truly one of a kind. He will be deeply missed.
Born August 14, 1950, in Buffalo, he was the son of the late Paul Parsons and Velva Winters Parsons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his baby brother, Ronnie Parsons.
Survivors include his loving girlfriend of 34 years, Carol Morris; sons, Robert Trace Parsons of Buffalo, Michael (Victoria) Parsons of Buffalo; stepson, Chris (Susan) Morris of Buffalo; sisters, Sharon Ann of Kingsland GA, Phyllis (Doug) Reese of Racine OH; brother Paul Junior (Beverly) Parsons of Buffalo; granddaughters that were his pride and joy, Madilyn Parsons and Alyssa Parsons; chosen great grandsons, Dawson Boggess and Keaton Boggesss. Robert is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
In accordance with Robert’s wishes, he will be cremated and no formal services will be held at this time.

Homer Scarberry
Homer Edward “Eddie” “Hippy” Scarberry, 67, of Hurricane, went home after a short illness with cancer. He was a graduate of Hurricane High School and a retired Truckdriver. He was preceded in death by his father Homer Milton Scarberry, and son Homer Arron Scarberry, and sister, Analisa Gibson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Pamela; son, Dylan (Tina) Scarberry; grandchildren, Homer Weston Scarberry, Jaelyn Scarberry and Raelyn Scarberry; mother, Helen Scarberry and sister, Nancy (Eric) Easter and several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Graveside service was Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, at Scarberry Family Cemetery.

Ray ‘Randy’ Thomas
Ray “Randy” R. Thomas 74, of Hurricane, met his Lord and Savior on November 30, 2025.
He was born on February 27, 1951, to the late Arthur Ray and Rachel Louise Thomas in South Charleston.
Randy was a retired Signal Maintainer with CSX Railroad and was a faithful member of Teays Valley Baptist Church for over 30 years, where he sang in the choir. He loved his Lord, his family and his church family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Nancy; children: Dustin Thomas (Laura) of Hurricane, and Keri Taylor (Ashley) of Morganton, NC; grandchildren: Cole Thomas, Carson Thomas, Adrianna Taylor, and Landon Taylor; sister: Robin Adams (Joe) of St. Petersburg, FL; and brothers: Arthur “Tommy” Thomas (Glenda) of Hurricane, Glenn Thomas of Columbus, OH, and Terry Thomas (Brenda) of Cedar Grove, NC.
Funeral service for Randy was Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Teays Valley Baptist Church, Hurricane, with Rev. Dr. John D. Smith, Pastor Chad Estep and Rev. Dr. Jered W. Green officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park in Hurricane.