Etta Rae Fletcher, 63, of Salem passed away peacefully on April 19th, 2024 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. She was born December 16th, 1960 to Frank and Betty (Stroud) Nelson in California.
Etta is survived by her mother: Betty Pollard. One son: Jody and wife Starla of Murphysboro, Illinois. Two daughters: Nadia Shenshen and Husband Eddie Seawood of St. Louis, Missouri, and Samia Shenshen and husband Hassan Amniser of Salem. Fourteen grandchildren: Saade Amniser, Zacia Amniser, Aisha Amniser, Roudina Amniser, Ayaa, Tasneem, Monstir, Moayad Basyouny, Islam Basyouny, Taher Basyouny, Sabrina Pendleton, Skylar Glisson, Sitara Glisson, and Allen Nelson. Two brothers: Donnie Manning and wife Nancy Eagan of Salem and William Nelson of Texas. Four sisters: Lee Nelson of Texas, Melanie Knier of Texas, Lanee and husband Terry Atteberry of Salem, and Madonna Manning of Oblong, Illinois. She also has one great-grandchild on the way.
Etta was preceded in death by her father Frank Nelson, brother Hoss, her husband Roy Fletcher, and sister Brenda Hagler, and stepfather Richard Pollard.
Etta was a journalist for the Marion County Observer for many years and had a passion for music, dancing, drawing, reading, crocheting, sewing, classic cars, and spending time with her family. She had attended Harvey’s Point Christian Church.
A memorial service will be held at the Grace Church of the Nazarene in Salem on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 at 10:00 am with Trenton Ice officiating. Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home, 310 N. Broadway Salem, Illinois 62881, (618)548-1234, is honored to be of service to Etta’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook page.
