Legacy of Volunteerism in Perry County, KY

Honoring his namesake, Brenda Fletcher – granddaughter of Roy G. Eversole – says her grandfather would be so proud to know the elementary school that bears his name was being utilized as an American Red Cross shelter to care for those who were impacted by the recent Kentucky floods. “He was really dedicated to the people of the mountains,” explained Brenda, as she reminisced about her grandfather’s legacy in the community.

Brenda, right, speaks with Red Crosser
Misty Thomas

Roy G. Eversole was the superintendent of Perry County for approximately 25 years, according to Brenda, who said when the elementary school was built the community chose to name the school in honor of their dedicated leader, her grandfather. “He had many opportunities to leave but he would not leave…these were his people and he wanted to take care of them,” stated Brenda as she described his dedication to his volunteerism to Red Cross and how important her grandfather found the work to be for his community.

Brenda said she was not impacted by the flood; however, she shared a startling story of her friend who slept through the flood waters rising and awakened after they had receded, “she thought, oh my goodness, my toilet has overflowed.” Brenda said within a few minutes her friend realized the life-threatening situation she had slept through when she saw the water line on the side of her mattress, “She could have drowned.”

Brenda and her sister at Roy G. Eversole School

Learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer