Marianna Davis Fleming's Obituary
Marianna Davis Fleming, age 93, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born January 13, 1929, in Cushing, Oklahoma, to Samuel Baker Davis and Mattie Leon Kendall.
Marianna was preceded in death by parents, grandparents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters and her two sons: Terry L. and Darrell K. Fleming.
Growing up in the 1940’s in Cushing, OK, Marianna taught herself music and to play the piano. Many evenings she would play duets with her father, Sam, who taught himself to play the violin that he made from a kit. Marianna continued to play the piano and then the electronic organ in Central Nazarene Church in Dallas as well as other churches. She was accompanist for weddings, funerals, and other occasions. Marianna was a faithful member of Plymouth Park Baptist Church in Irving, TX for many years, until her move to San Antonio. In San Antonio, being somewhat limited in mobility, Marianna regularly watched services of First Baptist Church on television.
She has lived in Oklahoma City & Bethany, Oklahoma, Denver, and many years in Irving, TX. She worked as a U.S. Postal Service employee for 25 years, retiring in 1990. Although she was an introvert, she made many friends during those years. The key to becoming friends with Marianna was to introduce yourself to her first, and the rest is history.
After her older son Darrell developed debilitating symptoms attributed to Agent Orange. In his later years, he moved in with Marianna for additional care and support. During that period, Darrell acquired a Jack Russell Terrier mix, named “Buddy.” After Darrell’s death, Buddy and Marianna were inseparable best friends. Near the end, Marianna was content that Buddy had found a loving home with a piano tuner.
Marianna is survived by her sister Darlene Shirey and husband Bill Bailey of Coronado, CA, brother Wendell Davis and wife Janice of San Antonio, TX and three granddaughters: Linda Fleming Rangel (Victor), Lisa Fleming, Vanessa Fleming Robles (Brooks), Whitney Sweet (Drew), Alexandra Nash (Eli), and 4 great grandchildren, 15 nieces and nephews and their children.
What’s your fondest memory of Marianna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marianna?
Share a story where Marianna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marianna you’ll never forget.
How did Marianna make you smile?
