Rilla Whitaker Fletcher

Boonville, NC — Rilla Sue Whitaker Fletcher, a beloved lifelong resident of Yadkin County, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, after a lifetime devoted to her family, faith, and community.

Born July 7, 1930 in Yadkin County to the late Dwight and Joyce Jester Whitaker, Rilla grew up in Boonville and graduated from Yadkinville High School before earning her degree from High Point Business College. Her career began with Yadkin Valley Telephone Membership Corporation, where she proudly served as the very first employee. Her dedication and professionalism helped shape the organization’s success and left a lasting mark on the Yadkin Valley community with her several decades of service.

Throughout her life, Rilla was deeply committed to service. She gave countless hours to local organizations including the Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce, Business and Professional Women, Northwest Development, and Crisis Line Ministry. Her compassion and leadership were recognized in 1986 when she was named Citizen of the Year by the Yadkin County Ministerial Association. Rilla also held a North Carolina Real Estate License and maintained a lifelong passion for civic involvement as an active member of the Democratic Party.

Rilla’s faith was a guiding force in her life. She was a devoted lifelong member of Center United Methodist Church, where she served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, choir member, and a steadfast leader for many years. Her presence in the congregation will be remembered for her joyful spirit, generosity, and faith-filled example.

Rilla was the cherished wife of the late Vanoide Fletcher, to whom she was married for 54 wonderful years. Together, they built a loving family and a home filled with laughter, faith, and shared devotion. Rilla is survived by her sons Van Fletcher, Jr. (Patty) of Nashville, TN, and Rex Fletcher (Marilyn) of Boonville, NC; grandchildren Andrew Fletcher (Jordanne) of Pfafftown, Alec Fletcher (Eleanor) of New York City, Rachel Fletcher (fiancé David Holt) of Honolulu, and Lucas Fletcher (friend Megan Osteen) of Burlington, VT; and great-grandchildren Adeline Fletcher, Tallulah Fletcher, and Felicity Fletcher, who brought her great joy in her later years.

Rilla’s life was also blessed by the love and support of her devoted caretaker and friend Diane Legue, her wonderful neighbor JB Smith, and her former caretaker Barbara Parker, whose kindness enriched Rilla’s final years.

A proud and enthusiastic sports fan, Rilla cheered passionately for the Duke Blue Devils basketball and Atlanta Braves baseball—a love of the game that began when her husband Vanoide played professional baseball for the Detroit Tigers.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Rilla’s life on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. Visitation will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM in the Gentry Family Chapel, led by Dr. Robin Dixon. Interment will follow at Center Global Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 516 Hawthorne Drive, Yadkinville, NC 27055 whose compassionate care provided great comfort to Rilla and her family.

Rilla will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her strength as a family matriarch, her devotion to service, and her deep love for those around her. Her legacy of kindness, leadership, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.