Janice Moore Fuller

Janice Moore Fuller was a vibrant soul with a passion for music and travel, a fierce champion for human rights, and a dedicated mother and grandmother. She was born in Greensboro, NC on November 23, 1951, and left this world on February 25, 2025 in Asheville, NC, surrounded by the love of her two children. Janice lived a life rich in passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her family and the literary arts.

Dr. Fuller was a distinguished scholar and poet, celebrated for her contributions to twentieth-century American literature. Her journey began with a BA in English and music from Duke University, where she was a proud recipient of the Angier B. Duke scholarship. She later achieved her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1989. Throughout her career, Dr. Fuller held the esteemed position of Writer-in-Residence and Professor of English at Catawba College, where she influenced generations of students since 1981.

A prolific poet, Dr. Fuller published several celebrated poetry collections, including "Archeology Is a Destructive Science," "Sex Education," "Seance," and “On the Bevel.” Her work appeared in numerous respected literary journals, earning her prestigious accolades such as the Poetry Council of North Carolina's Oscar Arnold Young Award and the Owen-Walters Prize for Poetry. Dr. Fuller was also a talented playwright, with her plays and her libretto performed throughout the United States and in France.

Dr. Fuller's dedication to the literary arts extended beyond her writing. She was a respected educator, receiving numerous teaching awards, including the Swink Award for Outstanding Classroom Teaching and was a four-time winner of the Teacher of the Year Award. Her professional activities included serving on the board of the North Carolina Writers' Network and the Poetry Council of North Carolina. Dr. Fuller was also a sought-after speaker, workshop leader, and a regular teacher in Wales, Ireland, Spain, Scotland, Estonia, and received a visiting professorship at Harlaxton College in England. Janice also attended and taught at the Wildacres Writer's Workshop in Little Switzerland, NC, which was the highlight of her summers. Her legacy as a writer, educator, and mentor will continue to inspire future generations.

As Janice often said, her biggest accomplishments were her twin children, Megan Fuller Matthews of Wake Forest, NC (Nate) and Dr. Addison Fuller of Asheville, NC. She was also the proud grandmother to Emory and Ellis Matthews, who were the lights of her life, filling her days with laughter and love. Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Doris Wilson Moore and Floyd Cleveland Moore of Salisbury, NC. Janice's legacy lives on in her family and the countless students and readers she inspired.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM on Saturday, March 1 at Omwake-Dearborn Chapel, Catawba College. The funeral service will follow at 2 PM at the chapel and will be officiated by Rev. Kendra Joyner-Miller. Burial will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. The family would like to invite everyone to a reception at 4 PM, following the service, at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College.

In lieu of flowers, Janice's heartfelt wish was for donations to be made to The Trevor Project and the Save the Children Foundation, reflecting her lifelong commitment to making the world a better place for future generations.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Fuller family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.