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Jennifer Lee Goddard Birchfield Fleming, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Johnson City Medical Center. Her vibrant spirit,

irrepressible zest for life, and boundless generosity of heart left an enduring legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her. Whether going to the beach with friends, guiding a committee, shaping the minds of her students, or savoring the simple joys of a shared meal, Jennifer infused every moment with passion, grace, and an infectious love for life.

Born on May 10, 1951, to Robert Lynn Goddard and Patricia Taylor Goddard Longmire, Jennifer was a proud native of Carter County and a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. Over the course of more than 30 years, she devoted herself to the field of education, serving as a beloved teacher, guidance counselor, and assistant principal. Her dedication to nurturing the minds and spirits of young people was matched only by her deep compassion for others. Jennifer was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, a joyful choir member, and an integral part of numerous church committees throughout her life.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Randall Wayne Birchfield; her elder brother, Robert (Bobby) Lynn Goddard II; her younger brother, Charles Fielder Goddard; and her second husband, John Tyler Fleming.

Jennifer spent her formative years on C Street, where she was surrounded by a close-knit group of friends. These friendships, forged in the innocence of childhood, blossomed into lifelong bonds. A natural leader and vivacious presence even in her youth, Jennifer was a cheerleader throughout middle and high school years and co-created the iconic routine for “Go Ye Ole Betsy,” a cherished tradition that continues to inspire generations of cheerleaders today.

In her professional life, Jennifer distinguished herself as an extraordinary educator, known for her excellence, compassion, and tireless dedication. Her contributions were recognized with numerous prestigious honors. In 1990, she was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. In 1992, she received both The Tennessee Academy of Science Distinguished Teacher Award and the High School Chemistry Teacher Award for Excellence in Science Instruction. In 1994, she was honored with the Superintendent’s Choice for Excellence in Education and the “Chemistry In Action” Staff Development Award. Jennifer was named High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year by the NETS-ACS Education Committee in 2014. Her influence on her students was profound, as she not only inspired a love for learning, but also worked tirelessly to increase graduation rates and pave the way for brighter futures. Her exceptional efforts as an Academic Interventionist at Elizabethton High School earned her a special plaque, recognizing her lasting impact. A sought-after speaker at conferences, Jennifer shared her wisdom and passion with colleagues across the educational landscape. She was a member of the Southern Appalachian Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, and a proud legacy member of Alpha Delta Pi.

Jennifer is survived by her loving mother, Patricia “Patsy” Taylor Goddard Longmire; her two daughters and their husbands, Mrs. Ashley and Jason Blevins of Elizabethton, and Mrs. Alexandra “Allie” and Chris Gillenwater of Roanoke, Va.; her sister and brother-in-law, Mrs. Teresa “Terri” and Richard Parker of Elizabethton; and her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. Patrick “Pat” and Kathy Goddard of Erwin. She was a devoted grandmother of six grandchildren, Andrew Randall Blevins, Jackson “Jack” Robert Blevins, and Kathryn “Kate” Brooke Blevins, all of Elizabethton, and Stella Lee Gillenwater, Lucy Mae-Katherine “Lulu” Gillenwater, and Emma James Gillenwater, all of Roanoke, Va. Jennifer’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and special Aunt Virginia Laws. As well as her loving friends and colleagues.

A celebration of Jennifer’s life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 28, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Reverend Raymond Amos Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. It was Jennifer’s wish that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 325 East E Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Jennifer Lee Goddard Birchfield Fleming. Office Phone: (423) 542-2232.