Betty Ellen Harris Fletcher

Betty Ellen Harris Fletcher, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Mountain Park surrounded by her husband, family and friends.  Betty was born November 28, 1934 to the late Zenus and Arlene Harris.  She was married to the love of her life William “Charles” Fletcher, Sr. for 71 wonderful years. Early in their marriage they lived in Heidelberg, Germany where Charles was stationed in the Army.  After moving several times pursuing their education and their teaching careers, they settled in the community of Mountain Park.

Betty was a graduate of Appalachian State Teacher’s College in Boone and taught at Haiti Elementary, Romulus, Michigan, a private kindergarten in Pilot Mountain, Yadkinville Elementary School, Surry Community College as a Learning Lab Coordinator in Boonville NC, and lastly at Mountain Park Elementary School teaching 1st grade.  She was a member of several professional organizations: North Carolina Association of Educators, National Education Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Surry County Retired School Personnel, and District IV North Carolina Retired School Personnel.

She was a loyal and faithful member of Mountain Park Baptist Church and never missed a service until later in life. She was a Sunday School Teacher and a member of the choir where she sang many beautiful solos!

After retirement, she helped her husband raise blueberries for 25 years.  Many have her recipes that she gave to her blueberry customers to prepare delicious desserts with the blueberries picked from the farm. Betty’s one claim to fame was Southern Living Magazine chose her Chicken Lasagna recipe to be published in the 1988 Southern Living Annual Recipes.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her only sister, Abigail “Abbye” Lynn Harris of Spencer, NC.

Together Betty and Charles were the proud parents of three children, William “Bill” Charles Fletcher and wife Jinny of East Bend, NC, Gregory “Greg” Clark Fletcher and wife Debra of Elkin, NC, and Elizabeth “Betsy” White and husband Walter of Dobson, NC.  Also left to cherish her memories are their eight grandchildren, Eva Melissa Tomko and husband Ricky, Rebecca Ruth Fletcher, Ashley Abigail “Abbye”  Brooks and husband Shaun, Jesse Mitchell  Fletcher and wife Emily, Sarah Beth and husband Josh Horney, Faith Elizabeth White, Kristy Hall Cox and husband Tony, and Jeffrey Scott Hall and wife Kathryn. They also have eleven great-grandchildren, Meredith Tomko, Nolan Tomko, Rowen Norman, Caroline Brooks, Jacob Fletcher, Luke Fletcher, Leah Horney, Hazel Horney, Noah & Kaelyn Cox, Mason Cox and Lyla Hall.

A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 3:00 PM at Mountain Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Timothy Henderson officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.  A private family graveside service will follow at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

“With a heavy heart our family would like to express a huge thank you for all the love and prayers we have received.”  She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a friend to many.  The outpouring of love and support during this difficult time has been a source of comfort and strength for us, and we are deeply grateful for it.

The family would like to thank Mountain Valley Hospice and her wonderful caregivers: lifelong friend Cathy Coe, Brandy Bowers and Kelly Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mountain Park Baptist Church 419 Mountain Park Road, State Road, NC 28676 or Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care 1427 Edgewood Drive, Suite 101, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.