Tabitha Dawn Villarico

Tabitha is survived by her spouse, Carlito “Billy” Lizares Villarico; her children, Derrick Lizares Villarico, Brandon Owens Villarico, Kimberly Owens Rachel and Jovanah Owens Villarico; her grandchildren, Kitana and Khalil Calix, Lenaia and Vizcaya Rachel, Ezekiel and Kaylani Oliva; her siblings, Tina Hall, Elaine Coberly, Anna Mollohan, David, Ronald and Ralph Plaugher, Steven Cade, Cathy Schoonover and Katherine Summerfield; her nieces and nephews, Courtney Hall, Ryan and Justin Coberly, Amanda Hines, Courtney and Chad Mollohan, Steven, Lydia, Abram, James, and Ronald Plaugher, Mary White, Manda Brickles, Molly Plaugher, Joey Cade, Deedee, Jeremy and Marissa Schoonover, Karissa Corder, Brittany Friel, JoAnna George, BreAnna and Brandon Summerfield, DeAnna Thomas, Cory, Mallory, Michael and Sabrina Gilmore.

Tabitha is preceded in death by mother, Carolyn June Plaugher; father, Junior Wayne Plaugher; foster parents, Jerry Mae Gilmore and Galen Lee Gilmore; her sibling, Jimmy Plaugher; her foster siblings, Tom Gilmore and Rick Gilmore; her nephews, Jared Hall, Chris Gilmore, Jeremy Gilmore, Joshua and Jason Summerfield; her niece, Martha “Kitten” Turner; her great-grandchildren, Luca, Liam, Jahseh and Leia.

Tabitha Dawn Villarico was born in Elkins, West Virginia on Feb, 2, 1971 to Carolyn and Junior Plaugher. Tabitha graduated in 1989 from Tygarts Valley High School in Mill Creek, West Virginia then attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia before enlisting in the United States Army. She served in the military for approximately three years in the First Armor Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany as a fuel tank driver specializing in hot refueling for helicopters before being relocated to Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Georgia, as a member of the SNS battalion. She rose to the rank of SP4-CPL E-4 before getting out of the military in 1995.

On Aug. 26, 1995, Tabitha Dawn married Carlito in Hinesville, Georgia, whom she met while stationed in Germany with the United States Army. On Sept. 16, 1995, Tabitha welcomed the birth of her son, Derrick. Once Tabitha returned from service in the military, she returned to Mill Creek, and began her career with the United States Postal Service of which she served 26 years totaling 31 years of service between the military and post office. She was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Mill Creek.

Tabitha was a devoted mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She was an avid reader and most times she could be found on her porch or in the breezeway with a book in her hand and a smile on her face. Tabitha was fortunate enough to travel the world visiting areas such as: Germany, Paris, the Phillipines, among others. She enjoyed skiing, watching cartoons and investigative shows, and most importantly spending time with her loved ones. Tabitha Dawn wa s a problem-solver with a huge heart, oftentimes taking on difficult tasks in the name of helping others and making a difference. She was someone who would give the shirt off her back, and proceed to continue giving all that she could to make a difference. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all those that were fortunate enough to meet her. She had a smile like diamonds and a heart made of gold.

In passing, Tabitha Dawn Villarico continued her giving and caring for others as she was an organ donor. She was able to give gifts to others who were in need and with those gifts her life will continue to impact others giving the individuals and their families the greatest gifts of all, life and time.

The angel we have all grown to love and care for has gained her wings. She will continue to guide, protect, and watch us as she always has.

There will be a celebration of life for Tabitha Dawn Villarico on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Mill Creek, West Virginia from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. which will be officiated by Pastor Andrew Boley.