EXHIBIT 15

May 15, 2003

To the Board of Directors of First Community Bancshares, Inc.

We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
Nos. 333-63865, 333-31338, 333-75222, 333-104384 and 333-104103 of First
Community Bancshares, Inc. relating to the unaudited consolidated interim
financial statements of First Community Bancshares that are included in its Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Charleston, West Virginia


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