Last week, Tennessee teacher and millionaire heiress Eliza Fletcher was kidnapped and murdered while jogging early in the morning. On Saturday, family, friends, and members of the Memphis community gathered to pay their respects.
Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother of two, was running near the University of Memphis on September 2 when she was allegedly murdered by violent criminal suspect Cleotha Henderson.
Funeral services were performed at the Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, where Fletcher met her husband of eight years, Richard, and where they were also married.
Lucy, Fletcher’s mother, could be seen sobbing and hugging family and friends who offered their condolences to her and Richard, who was joined by one of his young sons, outside the funeral home.
Lucy, the mother of Eliza Fletcher, could be seen crying and hugging relatives and friends outside of her daughter’s funeral. Richard, Eliza’s husband, stood to her right with their eldest son.
The family of Fletcher, 34, a mother of two and rich heiress who was abducted and murdered while jogging in Memphis last week, greeted mourners at her funeral.
Saturday morning, Eliza’s body is lifted from the hearse during her funeral rituals.
Pictured: mourners preparing to enter the funeral home as they gather outside the funeral house.
In her obituary, Fletcher’s family lauded her persistent faith, stating, ‘She truly walked and represented the Christian life and had unwavering faith.’ She gave birth to two sons.
The choir began the service with “This Little Light of Mine,” one of Fletcher’s favorite songs, which she sang to her kindergarten children.
This Little Light of Mine, one of Fletcher’s favorite songs that she sang to her kindergarten students, was sung by a choir to open the service.
George Robertson, the senior pastor, offered the introductory words commemorating Fletcher’s life, describing her as a woman of faith who worked tirelessly throughout her life to become a teacher.
Robertson stated that Fletcher’s life, despite being tragically cut short, inspired the nation.
Roberston stated, “It is OK for us to weep, but let us grieve with hope.” Let us continue the legacy of our beloved sister.
According to Fletcher’s obituary, she loved her family fiercely and without condition. They enjoyed outdoor activities such as boating, water sports, hiking, running, and biking as a family. Her family and friends appreciated her greatly for her ardent devotion to parenting.
The family also lauded her persistent religion, stating, “She truly walked and exemplified the Christian life and relied on her strong faith.”
Police said that Fletcher was last seen jogging in Memphis at 4:20 a.m. on Friday, when a guy approached her and forced her into an SUV after a fight.
Flowers were observed being delivered to the funeral home early on Saturday morning.
A multitude was observed among the final mourners to enter the church for the funeral.
Senior Pastor George Robertson (above) presented the introductory words honoring Fletcher’s life.
The funeral is being held at the Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis (photo).
Eliza Fletcher is shown with her new husband Richard on her wedding day in March of 2014. The couple met at Second Presbyterian Church, where they were also married.
“Liza was a beacon for everyone who knew her. Her infectious smile and laughter could illuminate any space. Liza’s purity of heart and innocence enabled her to see the best in everyone she met. To know her was to adore and be adored by her.’
They added, “Her influence is immense, as evidenced by the prayer groups, vigils held at friends’ and family’s homes, church and school events, and memorial runs and walks held in her honor.”
The family requests that anybody willing to donate make a contribution to a memorial fund established up at St. Mary’s Episcopal school, where she taught, or to the church that played such a significant role in her life.
Cleotha Abston, 38, was charged with the first-degree murder of Fletcher and faces the possibility of the death penalty. His public defender is considering a gag order because he has not yet entered a plea to the accusations against him.
Fletcher’s disappearance sparked a four-day search for her and her abductor that concluded on Tuesday.
Abston appeared in court in Memphis on Thursday, accused with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence; the judge again denied him bail prior to a September 19 hearing.
Jennifer Case, his public defender, argued at first that there was a conflict of interest because her office had previously represented him in a criminal matter in the early 2000s.
The judge, Louis Montesi Jr., dismissed the case despite his agreement to consider her claims over a gag order at a later hearing.
After Memphis Police Chief C.J. David labeled Abston a “dangerous predator,” Case claimed that key details of the case should not be made public.
Tennessee is a state with the death sentence, and prosecutors said Thursday they would not rule it out if he is found guilty.
During the brief hearing, Abston donned a prison-issued green uniform and a mask and spoke exclusively to his public counsel.
On Thursday, he was additionally charged with the kidnapping and rape of another lady in 2021.
Saturday, Memphis police confirmed the new accusations, but did not provide any other details about the 2021 case in question, besides confirming that the new counts are unrelated to the Fletcher case.
Abston is a lifelong offender who served twenty years in prison for yet another kidnapping, this time of a man.