of Conway, AR
October 23, 1931 - July 9, 2024
Mary Moore Fleming died peacefully on July 9, 2024 at home in Conway, Arkansas.
She was born October 23, 1931 in Conway, Arkansas, the younger daughter of Louis and Lucy Moore.
In spite of the Great Depression, she had an idyllic childhood walking to school, roller skating up and down the sidewalks of Ash and Scott Streets, and playing with her ever-present dogs (''Inky'' was the first). She met the love of her life Jo Lee Fleming when his family moved to town during her high school years. The two were inseparable, serving together as chair and vice chair of many committees and organizations during their school years.
Mary graduated from Conway High School before attending Hendrix College where she majored in English while Jo majored in Music. Benefiting from a program offered by the Ford Foundation, she completed her education with a Master of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. During that time, she also taught English at Little Rock (Central) High School.
Mary and Jo Fleming were married in 1956 in Green Chapel at Hendrix College. They lived briefly in Fayetteville before returning to serve on the Hendrix faculty where Mary taught Freshman English and worked in the library, while Jo taught music and directed the choir. After starting their family, they relocated for a few years to Maplewood, NJ where Jo pursued his doctoral degree. They then settled in Jackson, TN, joining the faculty at Lambuth College. Mary again taught Freshman English before transferring to Jackson State Community College where she also taught business writing and journalism. She served as faculty advisor to the school newspaper for many years.
Mary and Jo raised their family in Jackson, where they were active members of Lambuth Memorial and First United Methodist Churches. A whole generation of Jacksonians were raised by Mary and her friend Verlene Humphreys as they rocked them in the church nursery. Mary was an excellent cook and homemaker with a passion for tending her garden and pulling weeds. She was actively involved in her children's education, serving as a room mother and attending all concerts, plays, and sporting events. She also joined many civic groups focused on literature and the arts as well as PEO Chapter Y.
Mary and Jo returned to Conway to live closer to family in their retirement. Mary was active in several book clubs, the 20th Century Club, the Shakespeare Club, and PEO Chapter CA where she served as President. Her friends remarked that Mary was an excellent conversationalist because she stayed informed about all things books, movies, current events, history, animals, and gardening to name a few. Her favorite conversations, however, focused on telling stories of ''Old Conway.''
In her final years, Mary was privileged to live at home where she was supported by many friends and neighbors, as well as her sons David and John and a whole host of companions provided by Home Instead. With her beloved corgi ''Beau'' by her side, Mary had the privilege of sitting in her own garden until the weekend before she died.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Julia Lee Moore, her daughter Emily Ann Castle, and her husband Jo Lee Fleming. She is survived by her sons David Fleming (Karla Hefty) and John Fleming (Susie), and six grandchildren: Hunter Castle, Andrew Fleming, Hope Castle, Harrison Castle, Annie Grace Groves (Garret), Hallie Castle, and Julie Ann Fleming.
A memorial service celebrating Mary's life will be held at First United Methodist Church, Conway on Monday, July 15 at 1:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the ''Fleming Family Scholarship Fund'' for ministerial students at the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas.
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23 Condolence(s)
Barbara Hilton
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
David & John:
I was so very sorry to find out this morning about the passing of your dear mother. I was privledge to have her as my second cousin. We had many wonderful phone visits over the past several years and I will miss those. She had great words of wisdom as well as a great sense of humor. We had such fun talking about family and times we had all been together. Mary was a very special lady and I will miss her.
Barbara Boyd Hilton
Owen & Rose Jones
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Hi Pastor Flemming, our condolences to you and the entire family in the passing of your mom. May she “Rest in Peace”
Morgan Fleming
Saturday, July 13, 2024
….., here’s to Life,…look forward, live free,….,cherish your children if so blessed, …..and honor the memory of those who share in your life’s celebration….. Aunt Mary, may The Almighty hold You near. (this is Jo’s wonderful Uncle Carthal Harper’s toast we learned as boys….)
Sharon Thompson
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Mary was such a SPECIAL person. Visits and conversations shared with her were not lonely stimulating and intelligent, but also brightened with her wit. Working with her on PEO or Shakespeare projects was not only productive but fun. Knowing her was a real privilege and blessing. Love to you, Mary !
Morris and Shari Coston
Saturday, July 13, 2024
We are thankful to our loving God for giving Mary Fleming peace in His loving arms after her long, active, community minded life with her lovely family. We pray for David and Karla and Andrew especially as they navigate the myriad of details required in these times, and hope great memories of Mary give them peace every day.
Emily Aldridge
Friday, July 12, 2024
Mary was a great friend and very easy to talk with. We would always have a great time when she was able to come over to our house for dinner. Rest In Peace sweet friend. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Jennifer Fleming Garcia
Friday, July 12, 2024
I’m sending you all so much love and I so wish I could be there. Aunt Mary, your memory is a blessing.
Love,
Jen
Mike & Jacque Blythe
Friday, July 12, 2024
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Ruth Kent-Cook
Friday, July 12, 2024
Sending love and prayers from the Oil Trough United Methodist Church.
Brad and Katie Potts
Friday, July 12, 2024
Prayers and peace sent to those who loved this sweet soul. Such a beautiful life and a loving legacy left here.
Debe and Jack Hollingsworth
Friday, July 12, 2024
Your family continues in our prayers. Blessings.
Rhonda Leslie
Friday, July 12, 2024
Your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Rhonda Leslie
Friday, July 12, 2024
Your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Rev. Peaches Smith
Friday, July 12, 2024
Father wrap the Fleming family in your comforting blanket of peace during this time of loss. Pocket prayers for all.
Jacob Christie
Friday, July 12, 2024
Mary was such a delightful person, her and Jo both. I had many wonderful discussions with Mary on Sunday afternoons at Mike's Place, many of which were near and dear to my heart. My thoughts are with the Flemings during this time.
Martha Blancke
Friday, July 12, 2024
Frank Poff
Friday, July 12, 2024
Theresa's and my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. She clearly was a wonderful lady, who gave love and was loved all her life.
Larry Bassett
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Thoughts and prayers abide with you both in the days ahead.
James Turner
Thursday, July 11, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss.
Rev & Mrs R M Merriwether Sr
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Our condolences, prayers and love for you and your family at this difficult time.
Blessings
Les Oliver
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Our thoughts are with you two guys and your families today. Blessings!
David & Pat Crooks
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Thinking of you.
Jeana Leggitt
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
My short time of knowing Mrs. Mary was a joyous time, she was so kind, and loving, and she touched my heart!!.. It was my pleasure to be able to take care of her and spend time with her, I’m going to miss her so much!!..