FLOY ANN ( FLO ) ELIZABETH FLETCHER QUINNEY
Ms. Quinney, age 82 passed away Monday June 12th, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, following an extended illness.
Ms. Quinney was born on January 6, 1935 in Irwin Co., GA to the late Ben and Ruby Childs Fletcher. After graduating from Irwinville High School in 1951, Ms. Quinney attended South Georgia College in Douglas, GA and Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville where she received her teaching degree in Early Childhood Education. She also attended Valdosta State University where she received a Middle School Teaching Certification. Ms. Quinney was well-loved by her many students, whom she referred to as “her children”. Over the course of her career, she taught school in Ocilla, Sparks and Sylvester.
Ms. Quinney was well-known for her singing ability throughout her life. She began singing at a very early age, and was featured as a solo gospel artist on WBHB radio in Fitzgerald, GA when she was only nine years of age. She also represented Irwin County in the State District Singing competition, where she placed 1st in the solo division, wining an invitation to perform on the Ted Mac Amateur Hour in New York. Although she was unable to attend the competition, she continued to sing on the radio, at weddings, funerals and other events. During her college years her friends gave her the nickname “Torchy” because of her great talent for singing the Blues.
She had a contagious laugh, a quick wit, a beautiful smile and was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was always full of life and enjoyed reading, gardening and traveling, where she made many life-long friends throughout the world. After retiring, she devoted her life to her daughters and grandchildren.
Ms. Quinney is survived by her daughters, Leanna Thibeault and Holly Quinney, both of Irwinville, and Joella Barnes of Keystone Heights, FL. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren: Dustin (Cristina) Thibeault of Orlando, FL, Jaisy Green of Alapaha, Tristan Quinney and Adam Vance of Irwinville and Kelly Perez (Hector) of Gainesville, Fl. She has 2 Great Grandchildren, Jema Thibeault and Dylan Perez, and many loving nieces and nephews. Ms. Quinney is also survived by two brothers, Clair Fletcher (Dee Gee) of Lake Park and Reggie Fletcher of Gulf Port, MS, and a special caregiver Sonya Fletcher of Tifton.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, infant Bennie Fletcher and Jessie Fletcher Griffin; a brother, Thornton Fletcher, and former husband H. B. Quinney, Jr.
As a testament to her love of education, Ms. Quinney chose to donate her body to the Augusta Medical College of Georgia. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 17, at 2:00 pm at the Irwinville United Methodist Church. Reverend Jay Roberson and Reverend Richard Soper will officiate. Pam Fletcher Joiner, Ms. Quinney’s niece will give the eulogy.
The family will receive guests in celebration of Ms. Quinney’s life at her residence immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Irwinville United Methodist Church, Irwinville, GA, or Tift Area Hospice.