Nancy Greer Grindstaff Fleming

Published 2:09 pm Tuesday, April 23, 2024

The world lost a force on Thursday, April 18, 2024, when Nancy Greer Grindstaff Fleming died peacefully in her home, surrounded by family. She was 100 years old. She remained, to the end, sharp-witted and feisty.

Nancy graduated from Elizabethton High School in 1942 as the class Salutatorian. She graduated from Whitney Business College and pursued a career in an era when it was unusual for women to do so.

In 1946, Nancy married John Edwin Fleming. Together they had one son, John Tyler Fleming Sr., who was her forever pride and joy. She lived in her home for 98 of her 100 years (and the first two years of her life in the house next door). She worked for Citizens Bank for an astonishing 70 years, and there are many stories of people receiving a call from Nancy in the morning, apologizing to them for their account being overdrawn, and asking them to run a little money down to the bank so that she could pay their overdraft. She kept a steady stream of visitors to the bank and her home, issuing the invitation, “Honey, come see me” to everyone she met.

Nancy was a passionate bridge player, and played well into her late 90’s. She loved to dance, and was a long-time member of the Elizabethton Dance Club. She loved Christmas and she loved to entertain. Her holiday eggnog is legendary. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. She loved her series of canine companions and, when at home, usually had a dog by her side.

One of her true great loves was the City of Elizabethton. She was proud of her community and would often ask visitors and newcomers, “What do you think of our little town?” And Elizabethton loved her well, particularly over the past few years, with individuals too numerous to name bringing her meals, walking the dog, helping around the house, and keeping her company. 

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Tyler and Ruby Greer Grindstaff; Maude Greer Elliott and Bess Greer Fletcher, aunts who were her surrogate mothers after her own mother’s death; husband, John Edwin Fleming; and son, John Tyler Fleming Sr.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Laura Helton (Greg), Rebecca Chafatelli (Joey), Maria Sweeney (Cayce) and John Tyler Fleming Jr. (Chelsea); their mother, Linda Pierce Fisher; and great-grandchildren, Philip, Benjamin, Norie, Elizabeth Greer, Lola, Josie, Mae, Walter, Ruby, and Charlotte. She also leaves her last, faithful 4-legged companion, Jojo.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice and Visiting Angels of the Tri-Cities for their compassion and care.

A private memorial will be held at Happy Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Betsy Band Boosters, 609 Jason Witten Way, Elizabethton, TN 37643; www.betsyband.com/donate. Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Nancy Grindstaff Fleming. Office Phone (423) 542-223