From basketball to breakfast

Cousins work and play together

For Betty Sue Fleming, coming to work at Flapjacks in Sevierville has been a little more fun this summer. Part of the reason is because three of her grandchildren are working right along with her.
Fleming, who manages the Sevierville location at 1016 Parkway, says the girls have more in common than just working together. “They both played high school basketball, one for Sevier County [Whitney Fleming] and the other for Gatlinburg Pittman [Lauren Fleming]. There was always a rivalry between them. They even compete to see who gets the most tips at work!” But according to Betty Sue the cousins love each other like sisters.
While in the past the girls have been on opposing teams, next year they will be playing together at Maryville College. “We both received a scholarship to play at Maryville,” stated Whitney. Whitney at 5’4” plays point guard while Lauren at 5’10” plays guard or post. “I committed to play in March and Lauren committed in May.”
“I’m very proud of them. They did a great job working over the summer. They are great kids. Both graduating with honors from high school,” stated Betty Sue, a Sevier County native who talked briefly about her own sports career. “I played basketball at Gatlinburg before it was Gatlinburg-Pittman. That gives you some idea how long ago it was when I played.”
All of Betty Sue’s grandchildren are active in sports whether it is football, soccer or basketball. Her grandson Cody also works part-time at the restaurant really making it a family affair.
Jaclyn Kile who teachers 7th grade at Pigeon Forge Middle School works during the summer at Flapjacks stated, “I’m amazed at how hard they work. This is hard work and they certainly do their part. I love working with them.”
With four other grandchildren (and future sports stars) it probably won’t be long before all have had a chance to work with grandma at Flapjacks or at least pass around a few balls.