Jo Lee Fleming

Jo Lee Fleming died peacefully on March 19, 2018 in Conway, Arkansas. He was born September 26, 1931 in Morrilton, Arkansas to W.H. and Nora Lee Fleming. The family moved to Conway when he was in tenth grade. His brothers, Wendell and James and daughter, Emily Ann Fleming Castle preceded him in death. He married Mary Moore in 1956 in Greene Chapel at Hendrix College. Surviving are his wife, Mary Moore Fleming; son, David Fleming, pastor of Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, Hot Springs and his wife Karla Hefty; and John Fleming, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Paragould and his wife Susie Fleming. His grandchildren are Hunter Castle, Andrew Fleming, Hope Castle, Harrison Castle, Annie Grace Fleming, Hallie Castle and Julie Ann Fleming. His musical training was at Hendrix College (B.A.); Southern Methodist University (M.M.) where he also completed a year of study at Perkins School of Theology; and Union Theological Seminary in New York (Doctor of Sacred Music). His preferred musical instrument was the organ. For most of his career, he was both organist and choir director, serving numerous churches in Arkansas, Texas, New Jersey, and Tennessee. In addition to his church duties, he also had a full-time teaching career which began at Hendrix College in 1957. In 1964 he joined the faculty of Lambuth College in Jackson, Tennessee, where he was tenured as professor. He taught music theory and applied music, served as head of the Humanities Division, and conducted the college choir. He was also active in the Lambuth theatre and brought joy to many students, alumni, and friends of the college whom he led on cultural trips to New York City. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, talented musician, thoughtful friend, gentleman, scholar and story teller. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at First United Methodist Church, Conway on Monday, March 26 at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Conway, Ark.; Hendrix College; or the charity of your choice.