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.