Ruth Janice Fulcher

Ruth Janice Fulcher, 93, of Davis, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Pruitt Health - Crystal Coast. 

A funeral service to honor Janice’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 30th at First Baptist Church of Davis, officiated by Reed Jarvis. Interment will follow at the Oscar Davis Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Monday, July 29th at First Baptist Church of Davis. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through her obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Born on August 13, 1930, in Atlantic, North Carolina, Janice was the loving daughter of the late John and Frances Smith. Being raised in a home filled with 8 siblings, she valued the close-knit bond and warmth that defined her family life. Janice held dear the tradition of big family dinners, nothing was more meaningful than having quality time with her loved ones. Janice had precious and fond memories of the lively Smith Family Reunions where everyone gathered to share their favorite stories and catch up on the latest happenings.

Janice's faith was grounded in the Word of God, with the Lord being the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of Davis First Baptist for over seven decades, she exemplified her devotion through service as Church Treasurer and as a respected Sunday school teacher. Her actions radiated her deep-seated love for the Lord and inspired all those around her.

As an Analyst in Civil Service for over three decades, Janice approached her work with dedication and meticulous attention to detail. Her ability to distill complex data into actionable insights not only improved efficiency but also laid the foundation for transformative change.

Community engagement held a special place in Janice's heart. She selflessly devoted countless hours to volunteer work at the Carteret County History Museum and the Davis Community Club. Her wisdom and guidance were evident during her tenure on the boards of the Sea Level Hospital and the Taylor Extended Care Facility.

While Down East was her favorite place to return to time and again, Janice’s wanderlust led her to explore various corners of the world. Her many travels included Paris, France, England, Alaska, and Hawaii. Whether she was traveling abroad or at home, there wasn’t a back road she wouldn’t find and new scenery to take in. You could be sure that along her travels she’d stop at every Antique Store along the way so she could add treasures to her amazing antique collection.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter, Holly Frances Murphy and companion Carla Koehler of Knightdale; sons, Dale Murphy and wife Maureen of Davis and Paul Murphy and wife Sherrie of Smyrna; grandchildren, Joseph Murphy, Kathleen Ruth Lilly, Chris Lewis, Laura Clark, Marsha Murphy, Daniel Murphy, and Jonathan Murphy; 9 great-great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-great-grandchildren; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her first husband, Harlan Murphy of Davis. After his passing Janice was blessed with love again, her second husband, Weldon Earl Fulcher Jr. also preceded her in death; along with her siblings, Lucy Pake, Meda Mason, Frances Lyons, Maude Gaskill, Barbara Willis, Alice Yavorsky, and Daphne Smith, and Gaston Smith.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Scouting Down East, P.O. Box 94, Smyrna, NC 28579 or the History Museum of Carteret County, 1008 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.