Obituary of Thelma M. Nutter

Mrs. Thelma Marie McCauley Nutter Mrs. Thelma Marie McCauley Nutter of Buckhannon, WV and formerly of Bridgeport, WV passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Serenity Care Home in Buckhannon in the arms of her daughter. She was born May 3, 1927 to Christopher Columbus McCauley and Ada Right McCauley near Belington, WV. Her mother died shortly after her birth and she was raised by her father and Gladys Phares McCauley, who was truly a mother to her. She was married to Judge Carol Richard “C.R.” Nutter in November 1946 and he preceded her in death on May 17, 1983. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Jan Marie Craig and Harry Layman “Butch” Craig of Buckhannon; her brother James and wife Avonelle McCauley of Grafton, a sister-in-law Melva Freeze of Philippi, WV, along with several nieces and nephews. She was also blessed to have a special young man in Buckhannon, Austin James Shaffer who loving called her “Grandmother Nutter.” In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Opal Shaffer, brother Maynard “Fid” McCauley and two infant brothers. Thelma attended the schools of Barbour and Randolph County and was a proud graduate and valedictorian of the Belington High School Class of 1944. Following graduation she worked at the Myers Clinic while attending Alderson Broaddus College to earn a degree as a Medical Technologist. She later earned a Master’s Degree from West Virginia University. Teaching was her gift. She taught at Morris Harvey College, Elk Garden School, Salem College, Bridgeport High School, and Johnson Elementary School; however, the longest time was spent at Simpson Elementary School in Bridgeport as a Kindergarten Teacher. Other than caring for her family, this was her true calling and love. Mrs. Nutter was a member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church for over 50 years and served in various roles within the church. She was a former President of the Governor Johnson Garden Club, Harrison County Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and Simpson School PTA. She was also a member of the Harrison County Association of Retired School Employees. Being named Harrison County Teacher of the Year in 1988 was one of the highlights of her career. In 2004 she was again blessed to be named a Benedum Fellow in recognition of her volunteer work for the city of Bridgeport. She enjoyed traveling and had visited each of the 50 United States along with traveling abroad. Faith and love played a huge role in Thelma’s life. She fulfilled the purpose for which God called her by being a wonderful mother, wife, teacher and friend to many. Her legacy will live on through her family, her students, and those who knew her. The family would like to give a huge thank you to her second family at Serenity Care Home where she resided for the past six years. They loved and cared for her with the greatest dignity. Friends will be received Tuesday, January 19, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. Mrs. Nutter will lie in state from 11 AM to 1 PM the funeral hour Wednesday at the Bridgeport United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, WV with the Rev. Dr. Ken Ramsey officiating. A private family interment will follow in the Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery in Philippi, WV. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.