Eliza Fletcher biography: 13 things about Memphis, Tennessee prekindergarten teacher

Who was Eliza Fletcher?

Eliza Wellford Fletcher was a teacher from Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States. She is James Beasley Wellford and Adele Orgill Wellford‘s daughter and Gil Wellford‘s younger sister.

In March 2018, Fletcher’s maternal grandfather Joseph “Joe” Orgill III died at age 80. He was a billionaire who ran the hardware-supply company Orgill Inc.

Fletcher and her husband Richard James “Richie” Fletcher III first met at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis. They lived in Central Gardens, Memphis with their two sons.

Eliza attended Hutchison School in Memphis where she was an outstanding soccer player and a pentathlete. She also played soccer at the University of Memphis in Memphis where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

After obtaining a master’s degree in teaching from Belmont University in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, Eliza taught junior kindergarten at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis. Here are 13 more things about her:

1. In 2006, she graduated from Hutchison School.
2. From 2006 to 2009, she attended the University of Memphis in Memphis where she played soccer.
3. In 2008, she served as Queen Isis LXVIII of the Grand Krewe of Osiris in Memphis.
4. On March 8, 2014, she and Richie got married at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis. Her wedding gown was designed by Austin Scarlett. 
5. In 2015, she gave birth to Richard James Fletcher IV .
6. In 2017, she gave birth to Harry Wellford Fletcher.
7. On February 16, 2019, she wrote on Facebook, “Best podcasts to listen to while running. I liked serial, up and vanished and dr death. I enjoy the happy hour and I’ll have another.”
8. On December 29, 2020, she wrote on Facebook, “Hey friends, I’m looking for good try crime podcast? Drop your favorites.”
9. In July 2021, she, Richie and their two sons vacationed in Heber Springs, Arkansas, USA.
10. On November 9, 2021, she turned 34.
11. On July 28, 2022, she, Richie and their two sons visited Charlevoix, Michigan, USA.
12. At around 4:30 a.m. on September 2, 2022, she was abducted allegedly by Cleotha Abston Henderson, then 38, while she was jogging near the University of Memphis. He allegedly approached her and forced her into a black GMC Terrain sport utility vehicle. At around 7:45 a.m., she was reported missing by Richie.  
13. At 10:45 a.m. on September 3, 2022, Henderson was arrested and at around 5:00 p.m. on September 5, 2022, she was found dead near Victor Street and Person Avenue in Memphis.

On April 12, 2024, Henderson was found guilty of aggravated rape, especially aggravated kidnapping and being convicted felon in possession of a gun for the rape for raping and kidnapping Alicia Franklin on September 21, 2021. On October 28, 2024, he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and especially aggravated kidnapping for the kidnapping and murder of Eliza.