Judith Ann “Judy” Fleece, 87, of Haywood Road, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on June 12th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Judy was born on August 7, 1938, in Lumberport, West Virginia, to Lesander and Doreatha Chiccarella. She graduated from Lumberport High School in 1957.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, Tom Fleece Sr., whom she loved dearly; her parents, Lesander and Doreatha Chiccarella; her parents-in-law, John and Betty Fleece; her sisters, Sandy Harbert and Norma Rose, and brother-in-law Paul Rose; her brothers-in-law Richard, Johnny, and Nick Fleece; her nephew, Brent Rose; and her cherished friends Vera Varca, Ruth Fogel, Billie Conrad, and Clara Saler.
Left to carry on her legacy of faith and love are her son, Tommy Fleece Jr. and wife Pam of Haywood Road; her daughter, Shannon Fleece-Richards and husband Steve of Lost Creek; her grandson, Dylan Thomas Richards of Lost Creek; her granddaughter, Cierra Watkins and husband Ross of Morgantown; sisters-in-law Donna Fleece of Haywood Road and Ernie Fleece of California; nephews Chris Harbert and wife Carol, Nick Fleece Jr. and wife Jennifer, Matt Fleece and wife Mary, and Chad Fleece; nieces Karen Fleece and Michelle Sadowski and husband Jeff; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and her dear friends Wilma Howe, Dottie Jones, and Patty Costelac.
She was the epitome of a wife, mom, Nana, and homemaker.
While Judy loved many things, nothing compared to her love for Jesus and her family. Her faith guided her life and was evident in everything she did. She loved attending church, listening to Southern Gospel music, and sharing God’s love with others through her actions. As an original member of the Board of Directors at Jewel City Church, she faithfully served the church she loved and helped support its ministry from the beginning.
She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and shopping. Her kitchen was often filled with the aromas of homemade meals and desserts made with love. Family gatherings were made special because of the care she put into every detail. She also enjoyed settling in each evening to watch Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.
Of all the titles Judy held throughout her life, “Nana” was her favorite. Her grandson Dylan held an especially special place in her heart, and the bond they shared was one of the greatest blessings of her life.
Judy’s life was measured by the faith she lived, and the family she cherished. Her absence leaves an ache that cannot be filled, but her family finds comfort knowing she is whole again, reunited with loved ones gone before her, and resting in the presence of her Savior.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ruby Memorial Hospital and hospice nurse Becca for their exceptional care, compassion, and support. Special thanks to Pastors Robert and Aaron of Jewel City Church for their faithful prayers, steadfast love, and support to Judy and her family.
While Judy will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that this is not goodbye, but until they meet again. Chad Fleece, Nick Fleece, David Bennett, Dylan Richards, Aaron Cayton, and Matt Fleece will serve as pall bearers.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:58
The family will receive friends at Jewel City Church, 511 Jewel City Blvd, Meadowbrook, from 11am until the time of the funeral service at 1:30pm. Interment will be in the Shinnston Memorial Cemetery. Condolences may be extended family at www.perinefunerals.com. The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fleece family.
