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.
David Maria Katherine and family. Your mother was a pillar of the community and a faithful member of our church. She was kind, generous and a family friend for as long as I can remember. We will never forget the kindness that she and Hugh shared with others. Much love and prayers. Jane Rock Pope
Dearest David & Maria,
We are praying for peace and comfort for all the family.
Mildred was a warm, wonderful ,strong in her faith lady.
She was also a special friend to me and Chuck and we
would talk about the memories our families shared .
We all will miss her sweet smile!
We love you!
David and Maria, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was an exemplary human being and so very kind to me when I was a child. I’ll always have wonderful memories of her taking us to see a revival showing of Gone With The Wind in Hickory, twice! She was a lovely person through-and-through and she will be missed.
What a lovely lady! Mrs Fletcher was the ideal Christian role model for us all! She was the perfect example of a servant leader in every aspect .First of all, she was a devoted,loving wife,mother,and grandmother to her family. Mildred was so proud of each of them and literally glowed with happiness when she spoke of them. Second,she was the kindest,most sincere friend one could ever hope for in his/her lifetime. Third,as a teacher,she gave her heart to every child and colleague in her school.. Fourth, as a member of Waldensian Presbyterian Church of Valdese,she glorified God as she taught,led,and served her church family and community. What a privilege to have known her!
“To know her was to Love her.”
Mildred was such a lovely and delightful lady! The lives of all who knew her and Hugh were deeply enriched and blessed by their outreach of kindness and love, and we all shall remember them with joyful hearts and big ol’ smiles!
David and Maria,
I had the privilege of knowing your mother through my Mom, Betty Huss. They taught together for a few years and remained friends for many years.
She was so gracious when she hosted the bridesmaids luncheon the day of our wedding over 46 years ago. She was a wonder lady who touched many lives!