After discovering of the teacher’s dead body, Eliza Fletcher’s family finally spoke out, praising her as “unique.”
The mother of two was “such a joy to so many,” according to Eliza’s family, who said they were “devastated” by the “senseless loss” in a statement.
“Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her,” they added.
Eliza apparently inherited a privately owned hardware business from her well-known Tennessee family.
Joseph “Joe” Orgill III, the owner of the hardware supply company Orgill Inc., was her grandpa. According to Forbes, Orgill Inc. is the largest distributor of hardware and home improvement tools in the country.
It had over $3.2 billion in revenue in 2021 and was ranked as the 143rd largest private corporation in the nation.
Orgill worked as a salesman for the company before serving as president from 1969 to 1980 and chairman of the board until 2005.
“Yes, he may have come from a point of privilege, but it didn’t mean that Joe didn’t believe in equality,” said Dr. Scott Morris, CEO of Church Health following Orgill’s death in March 2018.
“And it was driven by his position of faith. He did a daily devotional with him and his wife.”
Marriage with Richard Fletcher
In 2014, Eliza wed Richard “Richie” Fletcher III, and Memphis Magazine published a story about their nuptials.
Eliza was described as an “outdoorsy, athletic and warm” bride, who had “gracious and loving parents.”
The Second Presbyterian Church, where the couple first met, hosted the wedding, which had a woods theme.
Before the shocking discovery of Eliza’s remains, Richie could be seen in a video statement appealing for her safe return with the rest of her family.
There were two kids raised by the couple.
Eliza was well-known for being a teacher, an enthusiastic athlete, a leader in her church, a devoted wife, and a loving mother.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved teacher, colleague, and friend Liza Fletcher,” the statement read. “Our hearts are with the Fletcher, Orgill, and Wellford families.
“This morning our faculty and staff started the day in chapel. We lit candles to remember Liza who was a bright light in our community.
