Joseph Jeffrey Fletcher

Dr. Jeff Fletcher ended the good fight on November 22, 2025. Born in Burke, VA on October 22, 1963, Jeff graduated from Lake Braddock H.S. in 1982 and, after spending a year attending George Mason University, Jeff began attending Oregon Bible College, where he earned his Bachelor of Theology degree and began dating Karen Burnham. Jeff and Karen married on November 24th, 1984, and in 1986, they started their family, with the first of MANY children being born. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full.

Jeff pastored for over 40 years, including churches in Oregon, IL, Milton Keynes, England, Hammond, LA, Pelzer, SC, and finally served the Cool Spring Church of God in Browntown, VA, until his illness necessitated his retirement. Jeff also served as the Pastor's Pastor for the Church of God General Conference Ministerial Association.

In addition to pastoral work, Jeff served as a hospice chaplain in Hammond, LA, and was trained to do spiritual direction in New Orleans, LA. He did hospital chaplaincy for over 15 years, including training and service at AnMed in Anderson, SC, and then for Valley Health System in Virginia.

Jeff constantly worked at furthering his education through the years with various continuing education endeavors and received his Master of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in 2018, became a board-certified chaplain in 2019, and completed his Doctor of Ministry from Vanderbilt in 2024.

Jeff and Karen raised 11 children, providing a never-ending supply of memories and laughter, as well as funny and not-so-funny stories. Raising their family was the hardest but most rewarding work of their lives. Over the years, there were many family trips and activities that Jeff spearheaded or was involved in. Jeff loved sports, and that love was instilled in many of his children. Jeff coached youth basketball for a number of his children while in Louisiana. Over the summers, when traveling to various events, he would always try to take advantage of opportunities to take in baseball games with the kids, notably visiting Busch Stadium in 1999 to see Mark McGwire after his 70 Home Run season. A favorite destination for many years was Pensacola, FL, and the surrounding areas, where they vacationed and camped for most of the years they lived in Louisiana. Since moving back to the East Coast, much family time has also been spent at beaches in NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Hilton Head, SC, as well as an epic family vacation to Yellowstone.

Jeff and Karen were able to enjoy significant trips together over the last couple of years, before Jeff's illness, spending time in Hawaii, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Paris, France. The beauty of God's creation on full display was greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

After Jeff's diagnosis, he battled to the best of his ability, still reaching out to minister to others even as he was being ministered to. As difficult as the fight was, he was never without strong support. Karen served as his full-time caretaker for nearly a year and a half after his surgery. After moving to South Carolina, he was surrounded by most of his children and grandchildren, with the others coming to visit frequently. Church family and former coworkers were amazing at reaching out and providing support.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Joe Fletcher, and is survived by his wife of nearly 41 years, Karen Burnham Fletcher, sons JJ (Hope), Jon (Shawn), Josh (Cayce), Joel (Stephanie), Jordan, Josiah, and James, and his daughters, Karee Gregory (Tyler), Kailyn, Katie-Beth Mattison (Chris), and Kass (Sami). Jeff is also survived by a hoard of grandchildren: Scarlett, Peyton, Isla, Jane, Declan, Aiden, Julia, Jonah, Rowan, Stella, Olivia, Connor, Elly, Mary, Zion, Bryce, and Sophie. Jeff is also survived by his Mother, Shirley Fletcher, Sisters Cheryl Swartz (Dale), Debbie Buckman (Simon), Christie Fletcher, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flower arrangements, plants and planters would be appreciated to live on in the family's homes/yard or donations can be made to be used for a memorial garden on Fletcher property in Pelzer, SC, where lots of purple plants/flowers will be planted and his ashes sprinkled.

In honor of Jeff's love for pastors and commitment to lifelong learning, memorial gifts may also be given to the Church of God General Conference to support scholarships for pastors pursuing graduate-level education. Checks can be mailed to 2020 Avalon PKWY, Suite 400 McDonough, GA 30253. Gifts may also be made online through COGGC.org.

A memorial service will be held at Guthrie Grove Church of God on December 2nd at 4 PM. It will be live-streamed at http://guthriegrove.org It is requested that attendees wear Hawaiian shirts or purple clothing to honor Jeff. Following the service all are invited to share a meal and visit with the family in the fellowship hall. This is in lieu of a formal visitation.