Nellie Fleming, 88, of Rochester, IL, passed away on October 21, 2025, at Carriage Crossing Senior Living Center in Rochester. Nellie was born on February 12, 1937, in Pickett County, TN, to the late Wesley and Bertha (Kerney) Dowdy. On January 30, 1960, she married Edward L. Fleming in Palmer, IL, and after many happy years together he preceded her in death on November 15, 2023.
Nellie worked at Palmer State Bank and later worked as an assistant manager at Caseys in Morrisonville, IL. She also co-owned and operated Eddie’s Market in Palmer, IL, with her husband Edward Fleming for many years. Nellie was the Illinois state champion horseshoe pitcher and was inducted into the ILSHPA Illinois Hall of Fame in 2001- something she was very proud of. She had a love for watching the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball team, basketball and football. In her younger years, she loved playing sports, dancing and roller skating. In her adult years, she enjoyed bowling and playing horseshoes. She was deeply loved and cared for by the staff and friends at Carriage Crossings in Rochester up until her passing. She loved spending time with her family and is missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughters: Cynthia Shanks of Taylorville, IL; Lori Norris of Roswell, GA; Susan (Tim) Nesvold of Watertown, MN; son: Anthony (Diana) Fleming of Arvada, CO; grandchildren: Derek (Heather) Norris; Andrew (Stacey) Shanks; Nathan (Torie) Shanks; Nicole (Jeff) Schuelke; Aaron (Lindsay) Norris; Seth (Amanda) Barnes; Kori and Hailey Fleming; great-grandchildren: Deacon, Calum, and Judson Shanks; Slade and Tommi Shanks; Luke and Elliott Norris; Hudson and Aeden Schuelke; Lily Barnes; siblings: Opal “Chris” Lowis of Springfield, IL; and Deanna (Ron) Palaschak of Springfield, IL.
Nellie was preceded in death by her parents: Wesley and Bertha Dowdy; husband: Edward L. Fleming; son-in-law: James Shanks; brothers: Ray and Roy Dowdy; sisters: Elva Elizabeth Cravens, Sylvia Mahan, Leta B. Hogge, and Wanda Lowis.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Chad Foster officiating. Interment will follow at Anderson Cemetery in Palmer.
Memorials in Nellie’s honor may be made to the Junior Fund for the Illinois State Horseshoe Pitchers Association (ILSHPA.org) and mail to: Deanna Marvin, 100 Garvey Street, Mechanicsburg, IL 62545.
Notation in memo section: In honor of Ed and Nellie Fleming
or
donations to Carriage Crossings via check payable to: Carriage Crossings of Rochester.
Note in Memo area: Ed and Nellie Fleming Memorial
Mail to: Carriage Crossings of Rochester
c/o Jenny Stephens, Executive Director
1121 Community Drive
Rochester, IL 62563
Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhome.com.
