Valerie Ellis Fleming

Valerie Ellis Fleming

Nashville, TN

She was the widow of Sam M. Fleming of Nashville, Tennessee and had lived in Palm Beach since 1969. Mrs. Fleming was born in Seattle, Washington where she graduated from the University of Washington with a BA degree in English and Drama. She had lead roles in both the Studio and Penthouse Theaters. Her interest in the theater continued throughout her life. Many years ago she established an ongoing scholarship for graduate students in Drama at the University of Washington. She married Francis Moir Anderson of Hawaii in 1937 where they lived on the Big Island and had three children. Her 2nd marriage was to D. Mead Johnson where they lived in Evansville, Indiana and then in Palm Beach in 1969. In 1983 she married Sam Fleming. They had 17 wonderful years together. An avid gardener, accomplished cook, theater and tennis enthusiast, and gracious hostess, Valerie was an elegant woman of character, discipline, courage, etiquette, generosity and exquisite taste. She was an inspiration to all who were fortunate to know her. Valerie Fleming was a member of the Garden Club of Palm Beach, the Everglades Club, the Bath and Tennis Club, the University Club in New York City, the New York Colony Club and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She is survived by her three children: Sharon Smith (Alan), Wendy Bianchi (Beaumont) and Francis Moir Anderson, III (Karin), her three grandchildren: Leslie Ferguson Moeini (Arjang), Ian Ferguson (Laura), and Alexander Bianchi (Courtney), and 5 great grandchildren: Ainslie Langford, Arman Moeini, Natalie, Claire and Mia Bianchi. Her family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to Silvia and Carlos Arevalo for their 22 years of extraordinary service. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to Carnton Plantation, Franklin, TN.