Brittany Aubert--Obituary

Velda Elizabeth Fletcher, noted local dietitian and church and community volunteer, died on Tuesday night at Park West Hospital after a medical emergency situation. She was 47 years old.

Fletcher worked as a clinical dietitian and diabetes educator at Dialysis Clinic Inc. in South Midville. But her work as a dietician is not the only thing that made her so prominent in the community.

Fletcher was a devoted volunteer with Mission of Mercy since it started in 1996. The Midville-based nonprofit group collects and distributes school supplies and Christmas gifts to children in the area.

“She never said no to anything or anyone that she thought was worthwhile,” her sister Vonda Fletcher Reed said.

A longtime cast member in the Midville Nativity Pageant, Fletcher was no stranger to the church. She became a member of the Little Springs Methodist when she was 11, where she was in the adult choir and participated in numerous missions projects throughout her life. She also served as a Sunday school department director in the singles program at one time.

“Velda always had time for anyone,” Reed said. “She devoted herself to her work and her family and her church.”

Fletcher gave her time to many charitable activities, especially the Interfaith Health Clinic. She was also a member of the Junior League.

After graduating from Midville High School in 1980, Fletcher earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1984 and Master of Science degree in 1986 from the University of West State.

She spent many years in management in the dieticians department at the University of West State Medical Center. She also worked in private practice.

Fletcher belonged to national, regional and local dieticians and diabetes-educator professional organizations.

Apart from her membership in numerous church and health-based organizations, Fletcher was active in Alpha Chi Omega and at the Wesley Center.

She was also an enthusiastic supporter of all UT sports.

Reed remembers the way Fletcher interacted with her nieces and nephews.

“My children always felt like she was their second mother--sometimes their first,” Reed said.

Fletcher is survived by her parents, Gina and Vandergriff Fletcher; brother and sister-in-law, Vandergriff and Davida Fletcher; sister Vonda Fletcher Reed; and various nieces and nephews.

“We are going to miss her very, very much,” Reed said.Fletcher’s burial will be held at Forest Cemetary off Lexington Road in Midville. Graveside services are Saturday at two p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Mission of Mercy.