Tulsa clinic gives Mother Fletcher new smile for 111th birthday

Viola “Mother” Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, turned 111 years old on May 10. To celebrate her remarkable life and legacy, a Tulsa-area dental clinic is giving her a reason to smile — literally.

Secure Dentures and Implants is presenting Mother Fletcher with a brand-new set of custom dentures through its charitable initiative, Smiles for Your Service. The presentation took place on May 13 in Tulsa.

The story behind the smile

The Smiles for Your Service program was created by Secure Dentures and Implants to restore oral health and dignity to underserved seniors and veterans. The clinic, with locations throughout Tulsa, is owned and operated by Dr. Heath Colman and Dr. Ty Barnes.

“Mother Fletcher’s strength and grace inspire us all,” Dr. Colman said. “We’re humbled to offer her this small token of appreciation — a renewed smile that matches her unmatched spirit.”

A legacy of resilience

Mother Fletcher has long been a symbol of survival and justice. At age 109, she published a memoir and later testified before Congress about the Tulsa Race Massacre — one of the deadliest acts of racial violence in U.S. history.

Her family says she had been using the same dentures for more than 40 years. The new set will provide improved comfort and quality of life.

“We’re very thankful,” said Tracey Flemons, Fletcher’s grandson. “She’s feeling good about it.”

Quiet celebration, lasting impact

The presentation was held privately by family members and staff from Secure Dentures and Implants.

For more information about Secure Dentures and Implants or the Smiles for Your Service program, visit www.smilesforyourservice.com.