Phyllis Ann Pitts Fleming

Phyllis Ann Pitts Fleming, 84, a longtime resident of Arden, NC, and beloved wife of Sam Fleming for 62 years, joined her Savior in glory on Tuesday, July 15, at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, NC. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Phyllis will be greatly missed by all who knew her, yet we rejoice that she is at home with the Lord.
Born on June 11, 1941, in Hickory Tavern to the late William Marvin and Annie Donnan Pitts, Phyllis graduated in 1959 as valedictorian from Hickory Tavern High School, where she was crowned Miss Tavern Light. While studying home economics at Erskine College, Phyllis found time to play the organ for Friendship Presbyterian Church. Meanwhile, her brother Bill introduced her to his friend Sam, a Clemson student. After completing her degree, Phyllis married Sam in December 1962. At the University of Virginia, she began graduate studies in education that prepared her for her later job as a teacher's aide at Biltmore Elementary and Estes Elementary.
In 1970 Phyllis and Sam settled in Asheville, NC, where they raised their two sons and became active members of Arden Presbyterian Church. Many of Phyllis' happiest hours were spent playing the piano and organ, gardening, baking, hosting events at her home, cheering on Clemson and UNC, and playing games with her grandchildren. A model of generosity and faithfulness to her family, her friends, and her church community, Phyllis reflected Christ's love for her to others.
In retirement, Phyllis and Sam traveled to Ireland, New England, the Canadian Rockies, and Alaska. As co-owners of a condo near Pawleys Island, they graciously shared their beach home. After living in the Oak Forest neighborhood for 30 years, they moved in 2021 to Trinity View, a retirement community where Phyllis made new friends while finding ways to care for other residents.
To know Phyllis was to love her. We will miss her green beans, her zucchini muffins, and her sweet tea, but, most of all, we will miss her cheerful smile, her sassy moments, and her unwavering faith.
In addition to her husband Sam, Phyllis is survived by two sons, Bryson Fleming (Sandi) of Asheville, NC, and James Fleming (Sara Margaret) of Greenville; a brother, Bill Pitts (Martha) of Belton; grandchildren Samuel Fleming, Emily Fleming, Thomas Fleming (fiancée Holly), Julia Margaret Metzger (Regan), David Fleming, Carley Williams (Johnny), and Hunter Fleming; great-granddaughter Margot Williams and her soon-to-be-born brother; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service conducted by the Reverend Jeff Thompson will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at Ora ARP Church in Gray Court. On Sunday, July 20, the Reverend James Buckner will conduct a memorial service at Arden Presbyterian Church in Arden, NC, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation at 2 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Ora ARP, 23420 US-221, Gray Court, SC 29656, or to Arden Presbyterian Church, 2215 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.thekennedymortuary.com