Florence D. Fleming

January 27, 1918 – April 8, 2016

Florence Fleming has joined her husband of 70 years, Charles Fleming, and her Savior in eternity. For the past 98 years, Florence touched so many lives as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, Nana and Great Nana. She was a patient and caring teacher, providing piano lessons in her home for many years and was a talented player of the pipe organ for over 40 years at Community Baptist Church.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, as well as her parents, Guy and Helen Donald, in-laws, Dr. Arthur and Jennie Fleming; brothers, Russell (Helen) Donald and Norman (Isabel, Florence then Ellie) Donald; son-in-law, Gail Skinner; and grandson, Christopher Skinner. She is survived by her son, Donald (Joyce) Fleming and her daughter, Sharyn Skinner.

She was blessed to have many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren: Laura (Craig) Cox, and their children Dustin (Courtney) Fleming their daughters Lillie Grace & Emma June; Kyle and Anna; Dwayne Fleming; Angel Leed and sons Chris and TJ; Aimee Cornett and sons, Brandon and Matthew; William and Robert. Christopher Skinner’s children Kyle and Erin, Christopher Skinner’s fiancé Surrena Gould and her son Ethan; Julie Skinner (Doug) Dillon their son, Wyatt; Jason (Jessica) Skinner and their children Brycen and Aspyn; Shawn (Sonya) Skinner and their daughters Covany, Samantha, Mishayla and Vivianne.

Flossie was born and raised in Tamaqua, PA where her piano talents caught the eye of Charlie, who convinced her to join his high school jazz band. She “fit the bill” and spent the rest of her high school days playing with his band. To further her music studies, she studied at the Philadelphia conservatory, often taking the train at a reduced cost as her father worked for the railroad. Flossie and Charles dated throughout his college education at Ithaca College, NY and they were married July 22, 1939. They settled in Port Dickinson and later in Hillcrest as active community members in Chenango Valley School District.

Flossie and Charles were active members and music leaders of Community Baptist Church of Port Dickinson. She also participated in the American Baptist Women, ladies small group circles, and church bowling league. Together they were members of the Mr. & Mrs. Club and they also met monthly with friends for a social time at each other’s homes. Flossie was a strong support of Charles and his Hillcrest Rotary Club membership and she provided a loving home or a warm delicious dinner for several foreign exchange students. Flossie was very active, participating in exercise classes until the last few months of her life. As a couple, Flossie and Charles were avid walkers, frequenting Otsiningo or the Oakdale Mall daily.

Our family would like to thank the staff St. Louise and Elizabeth Church Manor for the wonderful care and support that they gave to Mrs. Fleming. We’d also like to express our thanks to her dear friends at St. Louise, Verna and Kay – together they made a fantastic trio!

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, April 11th at Community Baptist Church of Port Dickinson with a calling hour beginning at 10:00 AM. (Ironically, this service is scheduled on the same date, 7 years after Charlie’s service!) A luncheon will follow the memorial service for loved ones to share. Burial will be scheduled later in the week at Odd Fellows cemetery in Tamaqua, PA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Community Baptist Church, 743 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901.

Mom will be missed but she left her legacy on us all. She and Dad made wonderful memories with us and we will cherish them forever.