Bess M. Fletcher's Obituary
Bess Fletcher was the daughter of Frances and Walter Riley. She was born on November 6, 1933 in Pensacola Florida. Her childhood was spent on the family’s farm along with her brothers Everett and Donald. When she was seven years old the family moved to San Diego, where she attended Our Lady of Angels Parochial School. She subsequentially graduated from Regina Coeli Academy. By this time her mother had remarried and a major influence in her life was assumed by her stepfather Rufus Grear.While she was in high school she met her husband to be Edward, when she was babysitting for Edward’s aunt and uncle.After her graduation from high school Edward left San Diego to enter the Marine Corps. Following his completion of Officer’s Candidate School he returned to San Diego and he and Bess were married in Christ the King Church. It was during the Korean War and she began this part of her life as a military wife. Bess and Edward moved to Quantico, Virginia, where he began Officer’s Basic Training. They lived in a small village known as Triangle, Virginia just a few miles from south of Washington, D.C. and adjacent to the Marine Base at Quantico. She enjoyed her life as a wife of a second lieutenant. They enjoyed life in the “South” and did many things together. They especially enjoyed visiting the various monuments and historical places around Washington and Virginia.Edward’s next duty station was MCRD San Diego. Bess and Ed drove cross-country from Quantico to San Diego where they lived in a small apartment while he served as a Company Commander at MCRD and she adjusted to life back in good old San Diego.Eventually Bess and Edward bought their first home and he began his work as an elementary teacher and she became a very busy wife. Bess was a great homemaker. She enjoyed decorating her home and putting all little accents in all the right places. Everything in her home had its proper place, and if you asked her where something was, she knew exactly where to find it.Edward and Bess were blessed with four children: three daughters: Blair, Adele Pamela and a son, Jay This is where Bess flourished. Bess was a strong woman who was very meticulous in the raising of her children. She loved getting the children involved in all types of activities; Jack and Jill, ballet, track, piano, violin, plays, symphonies, etc. As a result, she because a Girl Scouts Leader, a Cub Scout Leader, PTA President for Oak Park Elementary school, President and Treasurer for the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, a docent for the San Diego Museum of Man. Bess also held ‘Backyard Swim Programs’ for the neighborhood youthsShe eventually attended Sharp-Genesee Medical Center School and San Diego City College and became a Nurse’s Assistant. She worked at the Lemon Grove Rehabilitation Center and as a private duty nurse.Throughout her life, Bess was a strong and dedicated member of the church. She knew the Lord, and Lord knew her.She is preceded in death by her father, Walter Riley, mother, Frances Grear; stepfather Rufus Grear, brother, Everett Jackson; and her beloved son, Jay. Left to cherish her memory her husband, Edward; daughters: Blair, Adele Houston (Eric), Pamela Fletcher-Rice (Clarence); her grandchildren: Christopher Jay Campbell, Nicole Paige Rice, Ashleigh Jaye Houston and Gabrielle Nichelle Rice. Her brother, Donald Jackson (Mary). Her nieces, Simone Jackson and Yvette Jackson; nephew, Byron Jackson; numerous family members and a host of friends.Mom’s note:We, the Fletcher Family thank you sincerely for your presence here today, as well your support and prayers. May God richly bless you for your kindness. Please join us for the entombment at Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary. Refreshments and fellowship will follow.
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