McCulla Funeral Home

04/04/2026

This Easter, all of us at McCulla Funeral Home reflect on the hope, renewal, and promise that comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. May this sacred season remind you that even in times of sorrow, light and life prevail.

Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyful Easter.

04/04/2026

Helen Louise Hoke, age 81, of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away on April 3, 2026, in the city where she was born and spent her life surrounded by family and friends. She was born on May 6, 1944, in Morgantown, WV, and carried with her throughout her life the quiet strength, kindness, and steady...

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04/03/2026

Robert Franklin Stewart, 68, of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away on April 1, 2026, in Morgantown, West Virginia. He was born on April 22, 1957, in Morgantown, West Virginia, and lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and a deep love for the people and places that meant the most to him...

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04/03/2026

03/30/2026

James Benito Chipps, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at the Poplar Hill Health & Rehab Center in Warrenton, VA. Born on April 8, 1933, in Morgantown, WV, James lived a life marked by love, kindness, and dedication to his family and community.

James was the cherished son of the late Charles Chipps and Julia Wolfe Chipps. He grew up in a large and loving family, with his sisters Mary Willyard and Margaret Gamble, and brothers William, Harry, Charles, Edward, Richard, Melvin, Bobby, and Paul Chipps, all of whom have preceded him in death. Despite the challenges of growing up in a large family, James always spoke fondly of his siblings and the close-knit bond they shared.

In his early years, James found his calling in construction, a field where he spent many years contributing to the growth and development of his community. His work was not just a job but a testament to his strong work ethic and commitment to building a better world for those around him.

James was a devoted member of the Re*****on Baptist Church, where he found great joy and solace in attending services and participating in church activities. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life, providing him with strength and comfort during difficult times. James's dedication to his church community was evident in his unwavering support and involvement, and he was cherished by fellow congregants for his kindness and generosity.

Family was the cornerstone of James's life. He was a loving husband to his late wife, Alma Chipps, with whom he shared many wonderful years. Together, they raised five children: Marie (Paul) Smith, LuAnn Hiner, Esther (Jimmy) Mullins, Steven Chipps, and Marty (Angie)Chipps. James was a proud and devoted father, always putting the needs of his children first and instilling in them the values of love, respect, and hard work.

James's legacy extends beyond his children to his numerous grandchildren (19), great-grandchildren (28), and great-great-grandchildren (6), all of whom brought immense joy to his life. He has many nieces and nephews that have so many fond memories spent with him through the years. He cherished every moment spent with his family, whether it was celebrating milestones, sharing stories, or simply enjoying each other's company. His home was always filled with laughter and warmth, a testament to the love he nurtured within his family.

Friends may gather at McCulla Funeral Home on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 10 am until the 11am funeral service with Pastor David Blevins officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at

McCulla Funeral Home in Morgantown, WV provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding are... Learn More

03/29/2026

Michael 'Mike' Reynolds born September 16, 1962 passed away March 28, 2026. Born in Williamstown, WV, Mike graduated from WV Wesleyan where he was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity.

He was a loving father, brother, grandfather, and son. Loyal friend and avid outdoorsman, Mike had two great loves in his life: golf and Mountaineer Football.

He is survived by his father, James 'Jim' Reynolds, sister Lisa Reed, children Bethany Miller, Sarah Bishop, Anna 'Annie' Reynolds, and Nicholas Reynolds, and his four grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Betty Reynolds.

Family and friends are invited to gather in McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road, Westover, WV 26501 on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 3-7 pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 10 am until the funeral service begins at 11 am with Pastor Kevin Wilson officiating. Following the service, Mike will be cremated. In honor of Mike, guests are asked to forgo traditional black for WV Blue and Gold. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.mcculla.com.

03/28/2026

Meera Pathak Thakur, age 81, of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away on March 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.

Born on June 7, 1944, in India, Meera carried with her the values of devotion, perseverance, and service from an early age. She pursued her education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and later completing training as a Medical Assistant. These accomplishments reflected her lifelong commitment to learning and to helping others, qualities that would remain central to her life in every role she embraced.

Meera devoted much of her life to her family as a loving homemaker and a steady source of encouragement, wisdom, and strength. She and her husband, Pramod C. Thakur, built a life together grounded in faith, mutual respect, and deep family devotion. She was a proud and devoted mother to her sons, Gautam C. Thakur and Anand C. Thakur, and she took great joy in supporting them throughout their lives. Her encouragement and belief in their potential helped shape the paths that led both of her sons to become doctors, a legacy that reflected her own sacrifices, guidance, and unwavering faith in their futures.

She is survived by her husband, Pramod C. Thakur; her sons, Gautam C. Thakur and his wife, Megan, of Charleston, South Carolina, and Anand C. Thakur and his wife, Neeju, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; her grandchildren, Annika and Julianna Thakur; her step-grandchildren, Elianna and Quentin Maher; her sister, Kiran Jha of Indianapolis; and a host of extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ramani Pathak and Asha Chaudhary Pathak, and by her brother, Bhola Pathak.

A woman of deep Hindu faith, Meera was a founding member of the Hindu Temple of Morgantown and worked tirelessly to provide services and support to the local Hindu community wherever she was needed. Her devotion to her faith and community was evident in the many ways she gave of herself, often quietly and without recognition. She believed in the importance of connection, tradition, and service, and she helped create a welcoming presence for others through her kindness and dedication.

Meera also found joy in art and music, which brought beauty and comfort to her life. She generously shared her time and talents through volunteer work with the American Heart Association, reflecting her compassionate spirit and her desire to make a difference beyond her immediate circle. Those who knew her will remember her as gracious, thoughtful, and deeply caring, with a warm presence that made others feel valued and supported.

Her life was one of love, faith, and quiet strength. Meera Pathak Thakur leaves behind a lasting legacy in her family, her community, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered with great affection and respect, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved and those who loved her in return.

Family and friends may gather in McCulla Funeral Home on Monday, March 30, 2026 from 1:30 pm-2:30 pm. The priest will perform Puja, beginning at 2:30 pm before cremation takes place. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.mcculla.com

03/27/2026

Dorothy Jeanne Chipps, of North East Maryland, known lovingly to family and friends as Jean, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, in Bethlehem, PA. Born on June 18, 1955, in Morgantown, WV, Jean's life was a testament to love, passion, and dedication. She was a cherished daughter of Arlie Jr. and Sally Trader Chipps, who preceded her in death, and is survived by her brother, Arlie Chipps III, sister Tina O'Hara, and sister Susan Frazier with her husband Duane. Jean's legacy includes a large and loving family with her nieces and nephews, Stuart O’Hara, Jeanne O'Hara, Neil O’Hara, Katie O'Hara, Joshua Frazier, Justin Frazier, Erika Toner, Eli Frazier, Arlie Chipps IV, and Josey Chipps, along with their spouses and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Jean earned her bachelor's degree from West Virginia University and went on to receive her master's degree with honors from the University of Maryland Baltimore. Her academic excellence was recognized on multiple occasions, earning her invitations to attend prestigious summer courses at Harvard University. This commitment to her education was a guiding light throughout her life and career.
Her professional life was defined by her dedication to teaching English as a second language to children. She not only educated but also inspired hundreds of students over the years. Jean was more than a teacher; she was a child advocate who positively impacted the lives of her students. Her classroom was a place of learning and friendship, where many of her past students returned to visit and remain friends long after they had graduated.
Jean cultivated a variety of interests that brought her immense joy. She was an avid collector of decoys and had a deep appreciation for nature, often spending her weekends hiking through the great outdoors. These activities were not just hobbies but sources of peace and inspiration for her. Her love for her family was profound, and she was affectionately known as "Aunt Jean" to her nieces and nephews, who held her in the highest regard.
Jean's life was marked by her loving and passionate nature, qualities that enriched not only her life but the lives of everyone she touched. Her spirit will be remembered through the stories and memories shared by her beloved family, friends, and the many students whose lives she influenced. Though she will be dearly missed, her legacy of love and education continues to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Friends may gather at McCulla Funeral Home on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 2pm until 4pm and again on Monday from 10 am until the 11am service time. Immediately following the service Jean will be laid to rest in Bethel Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McCulla.com

03/20/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joel Erick Barahona-Lopez, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, on March 18, 2026, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Born on January 14, 2004, in Dublin, Georgia, to his loving parents, Paulino Jose Barahona and Levita Lopez, Joel's vibrant spi...

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03/18/2026

Betty May Dumire, a devoted wife, beloved family member, and cherished community figure, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at Madison Center in her hometown of Morgantown, West Virginia. Born on January 6, 1940, in the same spirited town, Betty's life was a testament to her faith-filled char...

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