Eliza Fletcher's funeral to be held at same Memphis church where she met and married her husband
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Eliza Fletcher, the billionaire heiress and kindergarten teacher who was abducted and murdered on September 2, will be buried at the Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis. Her funeral service will begin at 10 am on Saturday, September 10, 2022, in the same church where she met and "married her beloved husband" Richard Fletcher.
Eliza's family has described her as someone who "truly walked and modeled the Christian life and trusted in her unwavering faith." The incidents surrounding the 34-year-old kindergarten teacher's untimely death sent shockwaves across the nation. She had been kidnapped at 4.30 am on September 2 while she was on an early-morning jog along the streets of Memphis. Cleotha Abston, a 38-year-old man, has been charged with her murder. He previously served 20 years in prison for kidnapping.
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The family of the kindergarten teacher has requested well-wishers who desire to pay her a tribute to make a donation to the Liza Wellford Fletcher Memorial Fund at St Mary's Episcopal School. Fletcher was a kindergarten teacher in the same school. Her family has also asked people to make donations to the Christ Methodist Day School, and Second Presbyterian Church in honor of the victim.
Her obituary reads, "Liza was a light to all who knew her. Her contagious smile and laughter could brighten any room. Liza was pure of heart and innocent in ways that made her see the very best in everyone she met. To know her was to love her and to be loved by her." It goes on to mention the "extraordinary" impact she has left behind, which can be "witnessed in the prayer groups, vigils held at the homes of friends and family, church and school gatherings, and memorial runs and walks held in her honor. The outpouring of love and grief would have surprised Liza, who never thought or acted as if she were something special – though she certainly was."
The note goes on to highlight the importance of motherhood as understood by the 34-year-old, "Liza's most cherished role was that of wife and mother." Eliza Fletcher was the mother to two "rambunctious, joyful boys Richard James Fletcher IV and Harry Wellford Fletcher. She loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. Together as a family, they enjoyed outdoor adventures including boating, water sports, hiking, running, and biking. She was deeply admired by her family and friends for her passionate dedication to motherhood."