Annie Fulcher

Annie (Miller) Fulcher was born December 17, 1923, in McCloud Oklahoma, to Althera Cummings and Aaron Miller. Annie passed away April 26, 2024, in Arkansas City, Kansas. Annie Celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends December 17, 2023.
Annie Miller married James Oliver Fulcher at Strother Field Army Airbase in 1944. The Fulcher's made their first home at 712 N D Street and moved to 501 North E street in 1951. In 1954 they broke ground to build their home at 1012 N. 11th St where they moved in 1955. They raised nine children there- five boys and four girls. Annie was adamant that each of her children take music lessons and play an instrument, as she enjoyed listening to their home concerts. All nine of her children graduated from Arkansas City High School.
Annie received her GED and sought to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse. She inquired about attending nursing school. Annie was told that the hospital could not hire "negro" nurses. Not giving up entirely, Annie began working as a nurse aide at Memorial Hospital, and The Medical lodges of Arkansas City. Annie also worked at the middle school cafeteria for several years as well as the Arkansas City Bowling Alley.
Soon after she married James Fulcher, Annie became a long time and faithful member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Annie was a member of the church missionary society; a church trustee; a member of the usher board and sang in the church choir. She also oversaw the "little workers" children's program.
Annie enjoyed gardening and cooking meals using the fresh ingredients from her garden. She loved growing roses, poke salad, onions, herbs, garlic, tomatoes and especially loved her pecan tree. Annie loved avocados and lamented that she had not had success growing them in Kansas. Annie loved to crochet. She created blankets and crochet baby items for all her grandchildren. Annie was also an Avon sales representative for many years. Annie stayed active through the years by walking to downtown Arkansas City and back to her home. She also enjoyed bowling and exercise with Jack Lalane.
Annie was proud of her children and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She collected a home full of mementos and pictures of her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren to highlight their accolades and achievements.
Annie Fulcher is preceded in death by her Mother Althera Lewis, her father Aaron Miller, sisters, Manottie Miller-Cummings, Mary Ruth (Morris) Morris, Doreatha Knight-Deloach, Loretha Knight and brothers Albert Miller, Alfred Miller, Nathanial Morris and Johnny Morris. She is also preceded in death by her husband, James Oliver Fulcher and daughters, Laura Ruth Fulcher Davison, MaryAnn Fulcher Dempsey McCoy, Dorothy Fay Fulcher Chiles, and son Tommy Eugene Fulcher as well as granddaughters Marcella LeAnn Burks and Joanna Lynette Robinson.
Annie leaves to cherish her memory daughter Janice Elaine Fulcher, of Arkansas City, sons Joseph Fulcher, of Arkansas City, Jimmy Lee Fulcher, of El Dorado, James Aaron Fulcher, of Arkansas City and Ricky Joe Fulcher, of Arkansas City, and cousin Ethal Gray of Oklahoma City, as well as 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family.