Marjorie Springs Fleming

Mrs. Marjorie Fleming Springs Fleming, age 100, exchanged time for eternity and entered into heavenly rest in the early morning hours on December 20, 2017. She was born on March 12, 1917 in Morganton, NC, to the late Joseph Dick Fleming and Rachel Annie Belle Avery Fleming, and was the last surviving child. She was deep rooted in this community all of her life. Marjorie was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great Grandmother, as well as a dear aunt, cousin and friend, who was blessed to be the matriarch of five generations.

She was the widow of Forest G. Fleming, a former Morganton policeman. She also experienced the loss of four children and one granddaughter. Marjorie was also preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.

Marjorie, also affectionately known as “Marge” and “Tinsie”, began her career as a cosmetologist following her graduation from Stewart’s School of Beauty Culture in Asheville, NC in 1947. She owned and operated Vogue Beauty Shop for many years, and continued to work as a cosmetologist until the age of 93. Also, she retired from Broughton Hospital after 20 years of service as a staff beautician.

Marjorie was actively involved in the ministry of her beloved Slades Chapel AME Zion Church throughout her life, serving in many capacities, including being a Missionary, a Sunday School Teacher and a delegate to the District and Annual Conferences. She was also recognized as the “Mother of the Church”. Her Centennial Birthday was celebrated at Slades Chapel, which occurred on a magnificent snowy Sunday morning that gave rise to a beautiful sunny day. She slowly, but proudly walked down the aisle on that Sunday morning. The day of her 100th birthday was the last time she worshiped at her beloved church.

Marjorie had a love for life and the beauty of nature, and especially enjoyed birds, flowers and gardening. She also enjoyed traveling to the NC mountains and to the beaches. She truly had a love for animals and never met a stray that didn’t end up staying around for her to feed and care for it.

Surviving relatives to cherish her memory are: two sons, Forest G. (Terri) Fleming, II of High Point, NC; Charles R. (Shelly) Fleming of Washington, DC; five grandchildren, Melodie (Fred) Michaux of Charlotte, NC; Deonne (Calvin) Brown Jr. of Morganton, NC; James W. (Sarah) Springs of Morganton, NC; Ashley J. Caldwell of Cincinnati, OH; Carlos M. Max of Durham, NC; eight great grandchildren that includes Michala (Asada) Michaux Harris of Upper Marlboro, MD who she nurtured in her home; two great- great grandchildren; devoted nephew and caretaker Eugene Fleming, who was like a son, along with many beloved nieces and nephews; special and devoted friend Rosetta Ferguson; a host of cousins; and many friends and associates that she loved and shared special moments.

Memorial contributions may be made to Slades Chapel AME Zion Church, P.O. Box 2385, Morganton, NC 28655 or Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.