Martha Turley Fulcher
Passed: March 21, 2025
Charleston, WV
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Martha Turley Fulcher
Passed: March 21, 2025
Charleston, WV
Obituary
Martha Turley Fulcher, 72, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on March 21st, 2025, surrounded by her daughters and her best friend Sarah, after a brave and admirable battle with cancer.
Born in St. Albans, West Virginia, on December 4th, 1952, to Delmer and Gladys Turley, Martha was a bright spirit from the start. After graduating from St. Albans High School in 1970, she pursued her passion for helping others, studying nursing at Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston). She also earned a degree in Biology from West Virginia State College, along with numerous certifications in sonography and reproductive endocrinology, establishing herself as a Registered Nurse and Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
Martha began her career in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at CAMC Memorial Division, where her dedication and expertise touched countless lives across the Kanawha Valley. It was also at CAMC that she met Dr. Paul Howard Fulcher, Jr., whom she married in 1977. Together, they built a loving family, raising three daughters. Martha’s role as a mother was one she embraced fully, devoting herself to her children and grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life.
After retiring from sonography in 2020, Martha turned her focus to her six grandchildren —Maron (9), Eliana (8), Paul (7), Abigail (4), Gabriel (4), and Isabel (3) — who were the center of her world. She also shared a special bond with her best friend, Sarah Gross, with whom she spent many happy hours planning parties, attending concerts, and indulging in their love for rock and roll. Martha was known for her warm and generous spirit, her sharp wit, and an unwavering strength that quietly anchored those around her.
Whether she was knitting tiny hats for NICU babies, volunteering her time at hospice, or caring for her beloved dogs, Sage and Willow, Martha always found ways to help and nurture those in need. Her practical wisdom, paired with a no-nonsense approach left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. She had a way of cutting through the noise, offering advice that was firm but compassionate, always focused on finding solutions and seeing the best in people.
Martha is survived by her three daughters, Lauren Ganim (Arthur), Megan Bosak (David), and Alexandra Dennison (Aaron); her six grandchildren; her brother, Philip Turley; and a community of close friends who were more like family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Paul Fulcher, but leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to BridgeValley Community & Technical College, where Martha mentored many students throughout her life. https://www.bridgevalley.edu/foundation/give-now.html
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Martha’s remarkable life from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March29th, 2025, at The Retreat at Northgate, One Creative Place, Charleston, West Virginia. In honor of Martha’s vibrant spirit, the family kindly requests guests to wear spring attire, as we celebrate her life with warmth and color, rather than traditional black.
Condolences may be sent to Martha’s family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
10 responses to Martha Turley Fulcher
Mike Maggio says:
March 30, 2025
Martha was the team leader of ICU when I knew her. She was admired and respected and the glue of that special team. She made the group so cohesive. I offer her family my condolences and the knowledge that she will be missed by far more folks than you all may be aware.
Mark Turley says:
March 29, 2025
Tho I didn’t see you often my sweet cousin, you were always a ray of sunshine and a pleasure to see. Go live high on the mountain and be with our Lord and Savior Jesus until we are all brought together again at the gates of heaven.
May peace, love, and happiness be restored to your family as time heals the hurting heart.
Carol Kau says:
March 28, 2025
To Lauren, Megan and Alexandra. My sympathy on the loss of your beloved mother. I met your dad on Easter Sunday of 1975. He was in his jr. year of med school in Morgantown and I was an RN in the Emergency Department there. The hospital was quiet and his instructor told the med students who were there that night to find an area of the hospital that they were interested in and shadow the staff there. Our department was quiet too that night, so the staff doctor went to sleep and your dad followed me around as I restocked rooms, etc. He talked a lot and shared his life story with me. After that, he came back several more nights when I was working and I got to know him better. He was brilliant and interested in so many things—music, antiques and more. He was very clear about the fact that he was going to return home to Charleston for his OB/GYN residency. A few years ago, I looked him up online and was saddened to see that he didn’t have the gift of years. I was able to find your mom and get in touch with her and we became long distance friends. We had so much in common and I loved her sense of humor. I also loved her accent as I was from Pittsburgh and have now lived most of my life in Wisconsin. Hold each other close. You come from amazing parents. In time, may your memories bring you comfort. Hugs
Trina Higginbotham says:
March 28, 2025
I will always remember my dear cousin Martha, like big sister. She was always kind and sweet to me even though I was probably a little pest to her. I remember being at her house when she was a teenager and she fixed my hair. She even included me in her wedding.
Your mother and dad would always bring you girls to my mom and dads for Christmas and the three of you were like little princesses. I want you all to know how special Martha was to me, and that I will treasure her memory always.
James Bennett says:
March 26, 2025
Lauren I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom . I first knew your Dad a very long time ago and am. so sorry to hear of this your latest loss. All of us wish you and your sisters the deepest condolences The Bennetts