Deborah Lyerly Fleming

Deborah Lyerly Fleming passed away, on Friday, March 20, 2026, at her home in Cleveland, N.C. Ms. Fleming was born in Rowan County on May 22, 1938 to the late James and Rosalee Tuck Lyerly. She was a graduate of R.A. Clement High School in Cleveland, North Carolina. She retired from the Chem Lab at Hoechst Celanese corporation.

Ms. Fleming's children who predeceased her were: Cecelia Rose Azalea Lyerly, Karen Fleming Blackwell, and Cassandra Gibbs. Her siblings: James Walter Lyerly, Alice Holloway and Geraldine Winford, also predeceased her. She is survived by her brother, Mr. William A. Lyerly, Whispering Pines, NC; Mr. Thomas Holloway, Salisbury, N. C. (brother-in-law); and Mrs. Mary Owens, Opelika, AL (sister in-law);

Her grandchildren are: Nia Ymann Davis, (Deryk Davis); Edward Dewayne Blackwell; Karintyn Triniti Blackwell and Chandler Isaiah Rucker. Nieces and nephews also survived her: Anthony Wayne Ellis; Deisha Davidson; Chauncey Davidson; James Swain; Denise Swain; Nieda Holloway Stubbs; Anthony Holloway; Hope Owens; Jamie Winford; Erika Winford; and Kimberly Smith. Great nieces and nephews are: Cecelia Smith, Alexander Smith, Julian Winford; Nyshkia Winford.

Ms. Fleming was a "mother" to many. She was our beloved "DD." She loved us out loud and was always a welcomed presence. Her food was amazing! She was a member of the Third Creek A.M.E. Zion Church. She leaves behind a legacy of strong family relationships, perseverance, servant leadership and resilience.

The family expresses special appreciation for: Ms. Diana Kennedy; Nia Blackwell Davis; Anthony Wayne Ellis; Mr. James Swain and Dr. Jackie Dixon-Swain, for the love, care and attention given to Ms. Fleming.

Visitation Services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at the A.R. Kelsey Memorial Chapel, located at Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, 223 E. Fisher Street in Salisbury, N.C. 28144. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 1:30-2:00 p.m. at Third Creek AME Zion Church, located at 415 E. Main Street, Cleveland, N.C. 27013.

The Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at the Third Creek AME Zion Church, located at 415 E. Main St., Cleveland, N.C. 27013