Mary Jo Fleming

Born August 22, 1933 to Chuck and Odean Truesdell in Maud, OK, she grew up in Shawnee where Mary Jo met her Zorro, Bill Fleming when her sixth grade beauty captured him for life. Little knowing they would be a shining example of true love, they married at Central Church of Christ in 1951 and shortly after had their children Chris and Debbie.

As a granddaughter of the run of 1889, Mary Jo’s Oklahoma roots ran deep. She was a Shawnee High cheerleader for four years, and in 1950 was Football Homecoming Queen and Runner-Up Miss Red Bud. Through her faith in Jesus and obedience to his gospel, she was added to Christ’s church in her early teens and worshiped God as a lifelong member of Central Church of Christ.

Mary Jo’s mother opened the Shawnee Merle Norman Cosmetic studio in the early 1960’s which became a three generation business during the 1970’s when she was joined by daughter Mary, daughter-in-law Melita, and granddaughter Debbie. After her mother’s passing Mary Jo and Melita took over ownership of the studio until the late 1980’s.

Mary Jo cherished her family and friends, almost as much as her late canine companion Sugar. She loved crossword puzzles, miniature knick-knacks, collecting books, raising the most delicious tomatoes, and sharing a good laugh with her loved ones.

Preceded in death by Bill Fleming, her husband of 55 years, her parents, and her brother and sister-in-law Buddy and Melita Truesdell, she is survived by her children Chris Fleming and wife Janis of Shawnee, Debbie Taffe and husband Ron of Shawnee, grandchildren Richard and Stephanie Fleming and great-grandson Colton of Shawnee, Michael Fleming and Christina Fleming of Shawnee, and Kevin and Sarah Taffe and great-grandchildren Abigail and Latham of McKinney, Texas.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, at Resthaven Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, at Central Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.