Phyllis Fleming

Phyllis Dean Parker Fleming, 82, passed away February 19, 2016 in Louisville, KY. She was the oldest child born to Vester Francis and Mary Louise Byrum Parker on March 21, 1933 in Providence, KY and was raised with her sister, brother and cousins in a coal mining company town. Her first, and favorite job, was managing the ticket booth at the local movie theatre in her hometown. Immediately upon graduation from High School, Dean fulfilled her goal of going to the "city" to live when she moved to Louisville and began work as a plug-board telephone operator for the Bell Telephone Company. She also worked as a receptionist for the Morris, Garlove, Waterman & Johnson law firm and later in life as the lead receptionist for SHPS, Inc. Of the many things her daughters learned from her, rest assured that excellent telephone manners was one of them! She met the love of her life, John M. Fleming, in Louisville and they married July 28, 1954. The first few years of their life were a whirlwind of living in Germany, Spain and France while John served his country in the U.S. Army. They returned home and raised three daughters. Dean was a great friend and enjoyed immensely the circle of girls in their Friendship Club. She was very active in her daughter's lives as a Brownie & Girl Scout troop leader, dance/band/pageant mom, PTA volunteer, and tireless advocate for their education and travel. As her daughters grew up, she enjoyed running a dessert catering business with her friend Meryl. Dean and John traveled often, taking weekend getaways around the region. While she never lived in Providence after 1951, she kept up with family, friends and the local news through the Journal Enterprise. Dean is survived by her loving husband of almost 62 years, John M. Fleming, daughters Lisa L. Fleming (Joe Ware), Karen L. Fleming, and Laura Fleming-Balmer (Tony Balmer), and the apple of her eye, grandson Wyatt Ware. She was predeceased by her sister Freda Parker Parsons Dean and her brother Frank Parker. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Loheide, OneMD, for his excellent care and treatment; Pat Coomes for his invaluable advice and assistance; and the management, nurses, caregivers and staff of Sunrise Senior Living and Friendship Health and Rehab for their thoughtful, kind and attentive efforts. Visitation will be held Saturday February 27, 2016 from 10:00-12:30 with a Memorial Service in the Chapel at 1:00 at Louisville Memorial Gardens Funeral Home East, 11601 Ballardsville Rd. Burial will be private. Dean was a great advocate of education for her daughters and many other children. One of her favorite sayings was "can't never did do anything." In her honor, always try new things and, please, read a book to a child today. In lieu of flowers, the family also asks that you consider a scholarship contribution to one of the schools that benefited her family: Trinity High School Foundation, 4011 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40207; St. Francis School, 233 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202; Hanover College, Development Office, 484 Ball Dr, Hanover, IN 47243; or duPont Manual Alumni Association, 120 W Lee St, Louisville, KY 40208. Condolences may be made at www.Lmgfuneralhomeeast.com