Frances Curtis
Frances Moreland Curtis, 82, of Greenwood, WV (Long Run Community) departed this life on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV.
Born and raised in Washington, DC, “Fran” was predeceased by her parents, John Albert Moreland, Sr. and Frances Sullivan Moreland. She was also predeceased by her cherished sister, Susan Mary Moreland, and beloved husband of 19 years, Delray Curtis, Sr.
Her survivors include brothers, John A. Moreland, Jr. (Paulette), Wayne, PA; Frederick Edward Moreland (Deb), Selbyville, DE, and Christopher Jay Moreland and stepchildren, Delray P. Curtis, Jr., Kearneysville, WV, and Lachelle Gibilaro, Inwood, WV. She took great joy in her role as “Aunt Frances” to her many nieces and nephews, always celebrating each birthday and holiday, and instilling in them her deep love for animals, even snakes.
Fran was an independent woman who was in many ways ahead of her time. A lover of science and the natural world, she put herself through college at Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross, focusing on science in a time when few women dared to enter the field. She had a long career as a researcher at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Silver Spring, MD. Much of her work focused on tissue culture, paving the way for innovation in how other scientists were able to conduct research and clinical trials. She was a frequent attendee and participant at scientific conferences.
During Fran’s childhood, the Moreland family had a fondness for the beauty of West Virginia, so it was no surprise that upon her retirement from FDA, Fran and Delray made their home in Greenwood, Long Run Community. They were happy on the “Curtis Farm” and enjoyed caring for their many “critters” including Caesar the donkey, goats, geese, horses, many dogs and cats, and an occasional deer fawn. Fran and Delray lovingly cared for Fran’s father, John A. Moreland, Sr. on their farm in the later years of his life.
Fran will be remembered as a smart, strong, and resilient woman who always took care of those she loved, especially her furry friends. She was a straight shooter who never shielded away from doing or saying the hard things in life. She was a long-time supporter of the National Zoo, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Nature Conservancy.
The Moreland family is grateful beyond measure to Matt and Angie Campbell and their family for the love and care that they provided Frances over the years. The Campbell’s cared for her as if Frances was part of their family and their kindness can never be repaid. Frances greatly valued her friendship with Matt and Angie.
In accordance with Frances’s wishes she will be laid to rest on her family farm. McCullough Funeral Home in Pennsboro, WV is assisting her family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mcculloughraiguel.com