Mildred Jane Price Fletcher, 94, of Valdese, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, after a period of declining health. She was born on December 8, 1929, in Casar, NC, the daughter of James Roland Price and Ada Louise Logan Price. She graduated from Casar High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Carson-Newman College and her Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee. She taught at the University of Tennessee Martin Branch and the Mississippi State College for Women, and she finished her teaching career at Valdese Elementary School. Mrs. Fletcher was the first Elementary level Special Education teacher in the Burke County Public School system. She was an involved member of the Alpha Nu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and of the North Carolina Association of Educators.
Mrs. Fletcher was an active member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Valdese for more than 60 years. She served as the first female Sunday School Superintendent and the first female Clerk of the Session in the church’s history. In addition to serving as both a Deacon and an Elder, she served as a member and as chair of several church committees, was a past Moderator of the Presbyterian Women, and was a Sunday School/Youth Club/Nursery teacher for decades. She was active in her circle, visited the sick and bereaved, washed communion cups, and served wherever and whenever she was needed. She also sat on several committees of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. In 1985, the Women of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church awarded her with the Honorary Life Membership award.
Mrs. Fletcher was devoted to her family throughout her lifetime. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 52 years James Hugh Fletcher; her daughter-in-law Jill Lynae Franklin Fletcher; and by three beloved siblings: Bonnie Mae Price Parker (and her husband Clint Andrew Parker), Julius Elmer Price (and his wife Virginia Gurley Price), and Hugh Dean Price. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Ann Price Patten, and her husband, Ronald Patten, Sr., of Casar; her sister-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) Hensel Price, of Casar; her son, John James David Fletcher, of Valdese; her daughter, Maria Beth Fletcher Bristol, and her husband, Ed Bristol, of Marion; her granddaughter, Katherine Elizabeth Fletcher, and great-grandson, Carsten James Fletcher, of Valdese; and her granddaughter, Sarah Jane Bristol Gilliam, and her husband, Robert Gilliam, and their daughter (great-granddaughter of Mildred), Magnolia Jane Gilliam, of Old Fort. In addition, “Aunt Mildred” is survived by many special nieces and nephews, as well as many beloved colleagues and friends, including her roommate and the wonderful staff at Grace Heights.
Mildred Fletcher was an extraordinary and accomplished woman of faith, intelligence, integrity, endurance, and service. She devoted her life to her profession and her students, to her faith and her faith community, and to her immediate and extended family. Her impact on others will echo through many generations.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, With Revs. Rachel and Matt Matthews officiating.
The family will receive friends on Friday, from 6:30 until 8:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.
Memorials may be made to the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, 109 Main Street East, Valdese, NC 28690 or to the Community Foundation of Burke County, PO Box 1156, Morganton, NC 28680.