Viola Helen Fleming

A native of Embarrass, Minnesota, Vi was born on March 28, 1936, to the late Wilho and Aili Erkkila Maki. After graduating from Embarrass High School in 1954, her life took a providential turn during a visit to New Jersey in 1956. It was there she married the love of her life, Gene Fleming of Crosby, Texas. For the next 69 years, they walked hand-in-hand, building a legacy of love and devotion while raising their family.

Vi was a woman of remarkable creativity and grace. Whether she was sewing, painting, or tending to her vibrant flower gardens, she brought beauty into the world. Her faith and community spirit shone through her active involvement with the United Methodist Women at Crosby Methodist Church. Above all, Vi cherished life’s quietest gifts: the challenge of a word search puzzle and the peaceful rhythm of watching birds from her porch.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, Bill, Donald, and Eino Maki.Her memory will be cherished forever by her devoted husband, Gene; her daughters, Diane Fleming Brewer and husband Bo, and Jennifer Fleming; her brother-in-law, Danny Fleming and wife Mary; her sisters-in-law, Debby Moy and husband John, and Carole Maki; along with many loving relatives and lifelong friends.

A Graveside service will be held at Sterling~White Cemetery, 11011 Crosby Lynchburg Road, Highlands, Texas 77562, on May 7, 2026, at 10:00 am.