Cynthia Clark Fletcher

1934 - 2023

Cynthia Clark Fletcher

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, Cynthia (Cindy) Clark Fletcher passed peacefully in the arms of her daughter after a period of declining health.

Cindy was born at Grace Hospital in Morganton, N.C. on November 6, 1934, to Columbus Postel (C.P.) Clark and Odessa Powell Clark. They raised Cindy in Drexel, North Carolina surrounded by an extensive and close-knit family. Cindy was a beauty as evidenced by being crowned the second Miss Drexel Fair, but the one set of eyes she impressed the most was that of a young man named Larry Wayne Fletcher. On August 22, 1953, Cindy and Larry were married at Bethlehem Methodist Church. Through the 59 years of their lives together, their love never faltered. Cindy was always Larry's princess, and he was her prince. There is no doubt that he was there to welcome her to heaven.

Cindy attended both Lenior Rhyne College and Meredith College. She obtained her teaching credentials and taught sixth grade at Drexel Elementary for two years. Even in that short span of time, she touched the lives of many young people who have grown into productive adults giving back to the communities in which they live. It was also during this time that Cindy, along with Larry, utilized her musical gifts of voice and piano to form a youth choir at Bethlehem Methodist. Many of those original choir members still fondly reminisce on those days. Cindy continued to serve God in many roles throughout the rest of her life including supporting Larry as he entered the ministry as a second career. She always cherished the many friendships she grew during Larry's service to Mt. Pleasant Methodist, Zion Memorial Methodist, Warlick's Chapel, and Bollinger's Chapel.

Cindy served her communities well, but her greatest passion was the life she created for Larry, her son, Clark, and daughter, Jeanene. She made sure to attend to their needs and provide the necessary opportunities for them to pursue all of their goals in life. She fervently loved her family and passed this trait of unconditional love onto her children who in turn have passed it onto her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nana, as she became known after the first grandchild, has served and will continue to serve as a strong and wonderful role model for the whole family.

Cindy was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Larry Fletcher, her beloved first born, Hugh Clark, and grandson-in-law, Kevin Dana Mahorney whom she fondly referred to as "Puddy." She is survived by her daughter, Jeanene Fletcher Burris and husband, Ray Burris of Valdese; daughter-in-law, Teresa Fletcher of Hickory; grandson, Matthew Fletcher (Skylar) of Durham; granddaughters Cindy Goodwin (Bryan) of Fredericksburg, VA; Jenny Mahorney (Kevin) of Charleston, SC; Sara Welinsky (Kevin) of Phoenix, MD; Jane Dart (Kevin) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Winnifred Marianne Burris of Valdese, NC; great grandchildren Thomas Mahorney, Cora Mahorney, Ophelia Goodwin, Lilly Mahorney, Remie Welinsky, Charlotte Fletcher, Jonathan Mahorney, Larkin Welinsky, and Louisa Dart; special friend and caregiver, Donna Rhoney of George Hildebran.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, with the 11 a.m. interment at Burke Memorial Park Cemetery followed by a memorial service at First Methodist Church of Valdese beginning at 12 noon with the Reverend Bobby Hallyburton serving as the officiant and Nancy Epley providing the music. A reception and receiving of friends will be held in the fellowship hall of the First Methodist Church after the memorial service.

Memorials may be made to Drexel Elementary and Valdese Elementary media centers for the purchase of books or to the Burke County Animal Shelter.

Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese is assisting the family. An online and guestbook may be found at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.