FAYETTEVILLE

— Thetis was a goddess.

In Greek mythology, she was a goddess of the sea and the mother of Achilles.

In more recent times, Thetis Pilcher was a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the thread that bound tightly together the fabric of a family that spanned generations.

Over the span of nearly a century, Thetis Pilcher survived the Great Depression. She saw her husband, Palmer Pilcher, win through a World War and become part of The Greatest Generation.

She raised her sons, Bruce Pilcher and Scott Pilcher, giving them her guidance but allowing them to become the men they are.

She loved, watched, and worried over her granddaughter, Rebecca Pilcher Sissom. She made a place in the family for Rebecca’s husband, Tom Sissom and Beverly Pilcher, Scot’s wife.

She nurtured and loved her great-grandson, Dylan Sissom, giving him the knowledge that there is love and hope in the world. Thetis Pilcher died July 16. She began her journey on Feb. 6, 1922, being born in Batavia, N.Y., To Roscoe C. Miller and Blanche A. (Krull) Miller.

She graduated from Nottingham High School in Syracuse, N.Y., where she met Palmer Pilcher. She later attended Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tenn.

She was a charter member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, Ark., and also attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville.

She was an active volunteer in church programs. For many years she brought happiness into the lives of local children through her work in the Love Bears program.

Thetis was patient, kind, loving and generous. She also had rules for living a proper life that were to be respected.

She was a light in the darkest of times and the joy of her spirit illuminated the world around her. It will continue to do so for all those she loves.

In time, fabric frays. Thetis Pilcher has left this world. But the tapestry of her life, woven with care over the years, survives.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, July 20, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Honorary pallbearers will include Bobby Odum, Cynthia Nance, Ned Amason, John Engelke, Bill Golbuff, and Pastor Richard Solberg. Cross Bearer will be Deborah Bird.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church department of music.

Burial will be in the National Cemetery in Fayetteville.