1
                                                                  Exhibit 23 (b)











                          Independent Auditors' Consent


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
333-63865 and 333-31338 of First Community Bancshares, Inc. on Form S-8 of our
report dated January 28, 2000 (relating to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 1999), incorporated by reference in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K of First community Bancshares, Inc. for the year ended
December 31, 2000.


                                                      /s/Deloitte & Touche LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 28, 2001