Nellie Barrow Fleming

Nellie Barrow Fleming passed away on September 7,2024 at the age of 98. Nellie was born on October 25, 1925 in Niceville, FL to parents Mallory Barrow and Gertrude Ward Barrow. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Helen Parkton, her loving husband Dr. Dale Fleming, and a son Robert A. Fleming.  Nellie is survived by one sister, Ruth Enders, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by daughters, Theresa Riley (Danny) and Cathy Parker (Mike). Her grandchildren, Caryn Rominger (Heath), Marcus Riley, Matthew Parker (Stephanie), Jason Parker (Ashley), and Catherine Parker.  Great grandchildren, Emma and Ethan Rominger, Mason Riley, Preston and Noah Parker, and Dash Chatman.

Nellie was a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County, having lived in Crestview since she was six years old. Nellie attended Crestview High School and was a member of the first marching band and also a cheerleader.  She graduated from Crestview High School in 1944, and continued her education at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL. pursuing a music degree, majoring in piano and organ.  She later returned to Crestview and married the love of her life, Dale Fleming, who became a prominent dentist in Crestview.  Together they provided a loving Christian home for their three children.

Nellie was a lifelong member of First Methodist church of Crestview, Fl.  Nellie loved her church and was active in the First Methodist Women’s Group, the handbell choir, and served as organist for over 45 years. Throughout the years, Nellie served in various civic organizations, assuming leadership roles at all levels. She was actively involved in the Crestview Woman’s Club, serving as President in 1966-1968 and 1994-1996, and District Director for two terms, 1968-1969 and 1973-1974. She was appointed by the governor and served on the Board of the Okaloosa Library System from 1965-1967, helping to lay the foundation for the Friends of the Library. She was also appointed by the governor and served on the Board of Trustees of The Okaloosa County Hospital System, from 1967-1971. She always said serving on these two boards was an extremely rewarding experience. She served as club President in the Crestview Garden Club and the Crestview Music Study Club. She served as chairman of North Okaloosa March of Dimes and was a member of the West Florida Heart Association.  In 2019, Nellie was selected as the Pioneer Inductee into the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women’s Hall of Fame honoring her for her contributions and community service to Okaloosa County.

Nellie was our Granny Nellie. She loved organizing, planning and hosting gatherings for her friends and family.  She loved cooking big family dinners and was always there supporting and encouraging her family over the years. She loved writing poems that were inspired by significant events in her life.  She inspired everyone with her strong Christian values. She devoted her life to improving and making a difference in her community. She loved being involved in all aspects of community service. Her dedication to her church was the most rewarding to her. She loved her church and often talked about her time playing the organ for services and playing in the handbell choir. She was well known for her organ playing and played for many weddings and events in other churches throughout the community. Granny Nellie was the rock of our family. She taught us how to persevere through life however difficult it would be. We will always cherish our memories of all our years together with her.

The family would like to give special thanks to Meg Lawhon and all the staff of Crescent Park Village for the love and care they showed our mother over the last nine years. Crescent Park became her home.  She loved playing the piano for church services and looked forward to Sing Along with Nellie every Friday. In her later years, she looked forward to Bingo Day.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m. from The Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service, with Pastor Donnie Cadenhead officiating. Burial to follow at Live Oak Park Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Brackney Funeral Service.

You can share memories and offer condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.