Karen Glendy Fleming

Born on October 31, 1941, in Champaign, Illinois, to Marion and Maxine Glendy, Karen brought warmth and joy to all who knew her. On Christmas Eve 1961, she married her soulmate, James Edward Fleming, in Buttermilk, Kansas. Their 57 years together were filled with love, adventure, and travel, reaching as far as England and Okinawa.

She was committed to service to those in need. During their time in Arkansas, Karen joined Beta Sigma Phi, an international women’s social and service sorority, where she became a dedicated member for 60 years. Her leadership and commitment saw her hold every board position in both her local chapter and the city council board. Honored as Woman of the Year twice and Valentine Queen three times, her sorority sisters became lifelong friends as they carried out the BSP motto of "Life, Learning, and Friendship."

In 1975, Karen and her family settled in Montgomery, Alabama, where she became deeply rooted in her community. Her career at Alabama Power Company spanned nearly 18 years, during which she formed lasting friendships and cherished memories. Karen’s devotion to her family was unparalleled. She volunteered with Boy Scout Troop 16 and Girl Scout Brownies, taking on the role as Troop Mom. She supported her children with unwavering love by organizing campouts, overseeing fundraising, assisting community projects, and planning ceremonies. Ever adventurous, Karen drove a car in the Powder Puff demolition derby at Montgomery Motor Speedway where she was one of the winners in the three-way tie. Many weekends were spent in the family's little cabin on Lake Martin where Karen hosted sorority socials, birthday parties, and her favorite, the 4th of July celebrations featuring pontoon boat cruises to watch the Kowaliga fireworks.

Her immense generosity and desire to welcome all was her greatest gift. Karen was a longtime member of Frazer Church, where she served as a Sunday greeter and was in the prayer shawl ministry. She was also in Mary Ellen's Hearth quilting for children group, and Beauty by Fire windows group. And she was always devoted to her faithful Labrador, Lady.

More than anything, Karen’s greatest joy was her family and friends. Her home and her heart were always open to the ones she loved. Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Edward Fleming, in March 2018. She was extremely proud of and blessed with five children Jeffrey, Debra, Thomas, Debbie, Randall, and Melissa; eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Karen’s legacy of love and kindness continues through them.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home. A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 11:00 AM with a committal in Alabama Heritage Cemetery to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Montgomery Humane Society.