It is my personal goal to encourage and inspire others. I pray that you are blessed by the articles and posts on the website. Thank you for visiting and experiencing “Notes of Inspiration”. I am sharing a few personal photos of my life and I hope that you enjoy them. Hopefully, you will feel closer to me as we continue to journey through this life together. Please leave comments to let me know that you stopped by. I love you with all of my heart. It is my desire and all I want to do is to serve you.
Patrice Tankard-Fletcher
My Father, The Late Pastor Arthur Lee Tankard
Dad was a Pastor of a Church of God in Christ in Panama City, Florida for years before he founded Miracle Temple Church of God in Starke, Florida
My Mother, The Late Evangelist Mary E. Tankard
My mother met my dad one day on her way to Bible study. He was preaching in an outside street service. Eventually they fell in love and married. She was a musician, singer, songwriter and minister as well as my dad.
My Maternal Grandfather, The Late Bishop W.M. Curtis -Church of God in Christ
My grandfather was a Bishop for the Eastern Florida district in the COGIC. He was a singer and musically inclined.
Me at 9 years old
By seven years old I was playing the piano and organ. There was a strong interest in writing short stories and creating skits for drama. At nine years old I started performing pantomimes and traveling.
Me at 13 years old
At this age I began writing and journaling my thoughts and observations. Expressing myself in written form became easier than expressing in verbal form.
Me at 14 years old
At 14 years old my focus was on songwriting and composition. My job was to write and teach the parts of harmony to my family group, (The Tankardettes) in rehearsals for ministry and performances.
Me at 15 years old, Sophomore Princess, Homecoming, Bradford High School, Starke, Florida
Fifteen was an exciting year for a while. I was chosen as Sophomore princess for my high school homecoming. Also, I entered another pageant that year and won the title of “Miss Dream Girl”. However, later that year, I found myself in trouble and eventually dropped out of high school before getting back on track a few years later.
Modeling photo shoot -23 years old
During my college years, I began modeling as a hobby. It was fun and gave me a focus while trying to balance family, children and survival in a troubled relationship.
Bethune Cookman University’s Girl’s Basketball Team 1989-1990, played position of Center
The coach walked up to me one day in the school cafeteria at the University and asked me if I was interested in playing basketball for the school. I told him “no”. He offered me a scholarship and I changed my answer to “yes”. I did it to pay for college. I like watching the game but do not like playing the game.
Miss Bethune Cookman Pageant 1989-1990
Only three contestants qualified for the Miss Bethune Cookman Pageant that year, with me being one of them. I didn’t win, but I felt like I had won anyway. I designed my gown, my evening wear, and my performance costumes. It was great to create designs for this production. I also designed the costumes of my dancers who participated with me in the pageant.
Miss Bethune Cookman Pageant -Interview Segment
Too bad the photographer did not get a shot of the back of my gown. I designed it with the back out and twelve rows of black pearls cascading from left to right across my back. It was absolutely beautiful and breath taking.
Bethune Cookman University Senior Photo
Graduate of Bethune Cookman University -Bachelor of Science Degree, Business Administration 1990, Bachelor of Science Degree, Psychology, 1997
Songwriter, Musician attending Gospel Events
I spent a lot of time traveling and attending events for years. During this time I was a band musician for a professional recording choir. They appeared on the Bobby Jones Gospel Show twice. We recorded a CD entitled “Hold On” and I Co-wrote two songs on the project. Attending the Gospel Choir Conference every Thanksgiving Holiday was quite fun for a few years. I met a lot interesting people in the music industry.
Recording Artist/Producer Darryl Coley and me at the College Choir Conference, Atlanta, Ga
Recording artist Yolanda Adams, Princess Tankard, & Patrice Tankard attending a Gospel Event in Atlanta, Georgia
The instrument that I play is the Hammond B3 Organ. Below is a photo of The Master Mind and creator of the Hammond Organ, The Late Laurens Hammond.
Laurens Hammond
Hammond B3 Organ
When I play this instrument I become euphorically and angelically lost in another world. This instrument is the most beautiful creation made by man and guided by God.
Recent Photos
Dr. Gregory L. Fletcher, my husband
Thank you for supporting “Notes of Inspiration” from the Desk of Patrice Tankard.
I love you with all of my heart.
Patrice Tankard-Fletcher
Comments (3) »
I love your photo gallery. It is off the chain! Keep up the good work. I am so proud of you.
The Father has given us a wondeful son,daughter and 4 grand daughters .
We are very very proud of you and we are expecting more grands soon.
God bless
Pastor Leroy & Mother Anna Lovett
I really enjoyed getting to know you. Very surprised at some of the gospel artists you know. WONDERFULLY SURPRISED. Will read more as time allows. Keep up the inspiration. We need it.