Joann Fleming

Joann Fritz Fleming, age 78 of Cherryville, NC, formerly of St. Marys, PA, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at her residence surrounded by family.  She was born March 22, 1945, to the late Joseph and Zita Stauffer Fritz. She was retired from Cherryville Elementary School with Gaston County School Nutrition. Joann was an active member of St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church where she was a former leader of faith formation and served on the bereavement team.  She was faithful in reading her Bible and was always finding ways to spread kindness.  She enjoyed puzzles and planting a garden.  Joann was the family curator who made sure to document and record all family memories.  She kept detailed journals of every family vacation, meals that she had shared with others, and all the important milestones.  She was passionate about preserving those precious moments spent with the ones she loved.  Joann also enjoyed writing poetry and was devoted to sending out cards to others.  She truly knew how to spread sunshine in the lives of others.  She was a people person with a positive outlook on life, often times reminding us that “everything will be alright.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Amanda Helms.

Survivors include her loving husband, R. Gary Fleming; children, Chrissy Sisk (Barry) of Cherryville, NC Lori McCoy (Matt) of St. Marys, PA, Patty Williams (Tim) of Cherryville, Debbie Causby (Billy) of Cherryville, and Timmy Fleming (Melissa) of Cherryville; grandchildren, Emily Sisk, Danielle Meyer (Wes), Megan McCoy, Jessica Helms, Adam Helms (Marlee), Katie Causby, Kameron Causby, and Cole Fleming; great grandchildren, Jack Meyer, Henry Meyer, Maddie Helms, Dalilah Lowman, Mackenzie Lowman, and Hunter Helms; sister, Carol Miller (Jim); sister-in-law, Betty Fleming; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Sunday, April 30, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Carpenter-Porter Funeral & Cremation Services.

Funeral Mass will be held Monday, May 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church with Father David Miller presiding.  A private burial will be held at Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church or Hospice of Gaston County.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com