Harrison County Native who was Long-Time Educator, Nancy Hanks Fortney Turner, Passes Away at Age 86
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on September 02, 2026
Nancy Hanks Fortney Turner, 86, passed away on Saturday, August 15th, 2026. She was born on August 13th,1940 in Shinnston, West Virginia, the daughter of the late James and Thelma (Shreve) Fortney.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Rita Lorraine Church; as well as her grandchildren, Amber Dawn Pigott, Marcus David Slauer and Molly Ryan Slauer; and 6 great-grandchildren ( James, Zaiden, Jack, Evelyn, Harper and Arthur).
In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Peter Yost Turner, and her son, Christopher Leon Pigott.
Mostly remembered as a teacher, Nancy still wore many hats throughout her lifetime and always declared she was a "hillbilly and proud of it!"
Originally from Shinnston, WV, Nancy made her home in Morgantown, WV for many years before retiring in Bruceton Mills, WV. Nancy loved her WV mountains, was an avid reader, and remained a loyal WVU fan her entire life.
She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star until illness prevented her from attending in person, but she never let her membership drop and missed participating with her many friends.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation services have been provided.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Wednesday, September 2nd from 5-7 PM. At the conclusion of the visiting, the Order of the Eastern Star will perform ritualistic services. A committal service will take place at the W.V. National Cemetery, 42 Veterans Memorial Lane, Grafton, WV 26354 (Pruntytown location) on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Nancy's memory to the Laurance Jones, III Childhood Language Center, 1313 Quarrier Street, Suite A, Charleston, WV 25301.
Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
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