Avis Elizabeth (Starcher) Moore

Avis Elizabeth Starcher Moore, 94, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter on December 14, 2024. She was surrounded by family and friends. Avis was preceded in death by parents, Andy and Ethel Boggs Starcher, brother John Edgar Starcher, nephews, Jerry and Jack Starcher, and husband of 65 years, Carl Donnelly Moore. She leaves behind daughter, Vicki Moore Cunningham (Ira Morris), grandchildren, Ryan Cunningham, Barry Cunningham (JT Tackett), David Morris (Miranda), Matthew Morris (Katrin), Joel Morris, and Rachel Regan, great grandchildren, Chance Cunningham Tackett and Nicole, Erin and Collin Regan, grandniece, Courtney Starcher, grandnephew, Matthew Starcher, and dearest friend, Becky Morris.

She entered the West Virginia Institute of Technology at 16 and finished her bachelor’s degree at Glenville State University. She first worked as a deputy in the Clay County Clerk’s office from 1953 to 1963 and then was elected Clay County Clerk where she served for 31 years.

Avis was a dedicated and passionate public servant committed to serving the welfare of all Clay Countians settling countless estates, obtaining grants for the new courthouse and health department, overseeing primary and general elections, and conducting schools of election to train citizens to participate in the electoral process. Her legal understanding for recording deeds and property was renowned, helping to train many young lawyers about real estate law. She made hospitality a hallmark of the County Clerks’ office hosting legendary holiday dinners and providing coffee, cookies, and pie to all who came to record a deed or research property.

Avis treated everyone she met with dignity, kindness, and compassion and was a trusted friend of Governors, Senators, Representatives, and other elected officials. She and her husband provided 82 years of public service to the people of Clay County. In 1994, Avis was presented with the Distinguished West Virginian Award by Governor Gaston Caperton.

Dedicated to her community and the people of Clay, her generosity and civic mindedness was well known. She was a woman of faith and a devoted daughter, mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, mentor, and friend.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 19 at 2:00 pm. Friends may visit with the family from noon until 2 pm at the Wilson Funeral Home in Clay, West Virginia.

Wilson Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Moore family.

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