News Release: Homegoing of Peggy Fletcher

Margaret F. Fletcher (Peggy), age 92, of Orlando, Florida, entered the presence of the Lord on January 4, 2026.

Peggy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 15, 1933. She earned a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1955 and taught upper elementary grades. In 1956, she married Ted Fletcher, her husband of 47 years, until his passing in 2003. The Fletchers had four children: Virginia (Ken) Mauger, John (Celia), Arlene (Steve) Richardson, and Carol (Gary) Franz.

In 1961, Peggy dedicated her life to Christ. She and Ted participated actively in various churches during their frequent moves across the country. Following visits to Africa, the South Pacific and East Asia, the Fletchers had a growing sense of God’s call to help meet needs beyond the shores of the U.S. In May 1979, following more than two decades in corporate life with Mobile Oil, Dow Jones, and the Wall Street Journal, the couple started a mission organization in their home, today called Pioneers. Their vision was to take the gospel to cultures and communities yet beyond the reach of existing churches and mission efforts, a story told in Ted Fletcher’s book When God Comes Calling. Among other roles in the growing ministry, Peggy oversaw a summer missions program that sent hundreds of college-aged young people around the world.

Pioneers relocated from the D.C. area to the Lake Nona area of Orlando in 1992. The organization developed into a leading international agency with over 3,000 members, including the Fletchers’ own children and some of their grandchildren, serving in approximately 100 countries. In her later years, Peggy visited such places as Iraq, Ghana, and Afghanistan, devoting herself to ministries of prayer and encouragement. She had a special interest in the well-being of missionary children and widows. Among other distinctions, she was a recipient of the Lifetime of Ministry Award from the Henry Parsons Crowell Trust.

Peggy is preceded in death by her husband Orville “Ted” H. Fletcher, Jr. and two grandchildren. She is survived by her four children, 14 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 30 at Pioneers, 10123 William Carey Dr., Orlando FL 32832. Lunch reception to follow. The service can be watched via livestream on YouTube.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peggy Fletcher Memorial Fund (#151552) to assist the ministry of Pioneers-Africa, which had a special place in Peggy’s heart. Gifts can be made online or mailed to Pioneers, P.O. Box 621329, Orlando, FL 32862-1329.