Gladys Lova Fletcher

Gladys Lova Devore Fletcher, 97, died April 26, 2015 at noon. She was born on a wheat farm in Republic County, Kansas on June 22, 1917 to the late Chalmer and Cora Devore. She attended schools in Kansas and was Valedictorian both in the county elementary school and Haddam High School. At the age of 18 she started teaching in a one room county school with eight grades in one room. She graduated in 1943 Magna Cum Laude from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and a minor in Education. Gladys was a member of Omicron Nu, honorary home economics society, and Phi Kappa Phi. Her first and only love was Thomas J. Fletcher. They met in college and were married May 10, 1943 during World War II. He was sent immediately to the European War Theater for thirty-two months. They moved to Maryville, Tennessee in June 1947 when Tom took a position as an engineer with ALCOA. He remained in the U. S. Army Reserve where he rose to became a Lieutenant Colonel. Gladys and Tom have two children, Sherrill Ann and Jeffry Thomas. Gladys was saddened by Tom's death on August 15, 1989. In 1947 Gladys joined the American Association of University Women and was president for a two year term. She was a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts of America. She was a leader of the Maryville troop of the Girl Scouts of America where she coached Sherrill and others to attain the Curved Bar Pin. She encouraged her son who became an Eagle Scout. Gladys was a teacher for 38 years. She loved teaching. Gladys taught in the Maryville College Home Economics Department in 1955. She taught for 30 years in Blount County Schools at Rockford, Everett, and Heritage High. She was head of the Home Economics Department at the new Heritage High. She was president of Tennessee State Home Economics Association in 1966-67. While teaching at Everett and Heritage she was sponsor of Future Homemakers of America. After retiring in 1985 she and Tom traveled in Europe, Canada, and parts of the United States. She was preceded in death by her husband, father and mother, brother, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law. She is survived by her children and their spouses: daughter Sherrill and Craig Spaak, Wyckoff, NJ; her son Jeff and June Fletcher, Friendsville, TN: three grandchildren; Julia, Erin, and Ryan; a sister Jane Gingles, Clay Center, KS; nieces, nephews, cousins as well as many friends. During retirement, Gladys was a member of the Everett Dance Club. It was this group who saw the need for a larger Senior Center. They worked hard with Alcoa and Maryville cities and Blount County Commissioners to obtain the new Everett Senior Center, which opened in 2004. The building was designed by her son. She was very proud her son and daughter-in-law June donated to have the new dance room named to honor her and Tom. Gladys loved the mountains and was a member of Restless Soles Walking Club. She hiked many trails and areas of the Smoky Mountains. Gladys Devore Fletcher will be remembered for her love of life, participation in activities, and enjoyment of many friends. She moved to Morningview Village in 2005 and was active and content there. Memorial donations may be made to the Everett Adult Center Dance Group in lieu of flowers. She was a member of Broadway Methodist Church, and sometime teacher there, since 1959. Cremation will be by Smith Funeral and Cremation Service. A private service will be at the Knoxville National Cemetery where she will join Tom. Those of you who knew Gladys well have realized by now she wrote this obituary herself, a couple of years ago! Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gladys Lova Fletcher please visit our Sympathy Store.