Marjorie Ann (Powell) Fleming

On October 4, 1933, Fletcher and Levora Powell were both excited and proud to bring their first child, Marjorie Ann (Powell) Fleming, into this world.  She would be joined in January 1936 by her brother Karl and in March 1942 by her brother David.

In Fredonia, Marge was surrounded by her grandparents and various doting aunts and uncles – so much so that, according to Fletcher and Levora, they decided in 1939 to move to Madison, Kansas as Marge and Karl were becoming spoiled by all of the attention.

In Madison, Marge and her family moved frequently between various rental houses until 1946, when they finally had sufficient money to buy their beloved home on 5^th and Boone.  Marge participated in all types of activities at Madison High School and was particularly proud of her involvement in forensics and the band.  Marge was valedictorian of the Madison Bulldog’s class of 1951.

She spent the next year working at TWA’s headquarters in Kansas City.  During this time she met many famous people and was able to travel standby for free.  Her career at TWA ended in 1952 when, at the ripe old age of 18, she was married in the Madison United Methodist church to the love of her life, Bill.  After a honeymoon in Branson, Missouri (a much different Branson than exists today), they moved to Hammond, Indiana where Bill started his career at Standard Oil of Indiana (Amoco).  Although they enjoyed their time in northern Indiana, they were anxious to move closer to family, so Bill transferred to the refinery in Sugar Creek and they relocated to Independence, Missouri.  Marjorie took a job as secretary for the First United Methodist Church of Independence.

In March 1956, Marjorie embarked on a new career as a mother – her son John was followed by Doug in December 1958 and Susan in April  1961.  Marjorie truly made Independence her home and was active in the First United Methodist church for over 60 years, PEO and various PTA chapters.   Marjorie earned an associate’s degree in 1972 and went to work as a dental assistant for Dr. Ray Morrison.

November 19, 1981 was one of the happiest days in Marge’s life as she welcomed her first grandchild, Becky, into the world.  Becky was soon followed by other grandchildren – Amy, Daniel, Callie, Kimberly, Jennifer, Kristen and Brett.  She was proud of all of them and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them.

In 1982, Amoco closed the Sugar Creek refinery and Marge and Bill relocated to Texas City, Texas.  Marge earned her real estate license and had two part time jobs – selling real estate and traveling back to Missouri to see her grandkids.  Bill retired in January 1988 and they moved back and settled in Lees Summit, Missouri.  Marge and Bill enjoyed traveling and having their grandkids nearby.  Marjorie always had beautiful handwriting and enjoyed seasonal work for Hallmark (and spending the money she earned at the Hallmark Store) addressing Christmas cards for the Hall family.  Bill passed away in 2003 and, in 2016, Marge relocated to an independent living facility in Columbia where she could enjoy the loving care of Susan, Ed, Kristen, Brett and Bailey (her great-granddaughter).  Marge truly enjoyed having another little one around and she and Bailey spent many an afternoon playing card games.

Marjorie passed away on September 5, 2023 after a brief illness.  She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-laws, John and Robyn Fleming and Doug and Lynn Fleming, her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Ed Williams, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren,  Becky and Andy Meyer (Alex), Amy and Tyler Crawford (Cade, Riley and Josie), Callie and Michael Maw (Anabelle and Eden), Daniel and Samantha Fleming (Sophia, Cam, Bray and Jayce), Kimberly Fleming (Violet and Hattie), Jennifer and James Bain, Kristen Williams, and Brett and Samantha Williams (Bailey) as well as many loving nephews and nieces.

A graveside service will be held at Mound Grove Cemetery, 1818 N. River Blvd, Independence Missouri, on Wednesday, October 4^th at 11:00 am.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Independence First United Methodist Church, 400 W. Maple Avenue, Independence MO 64050.