Vanessa G. Fleming

Vanessa G. (Smith) Fleming, 51, of Du Quoin, passed away at 1:21 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013 at her residence.

She was a homemaker and had been employed at Wal-Mart, the Du Quoin Post Office as a sub, Western Egyptian Headstart and District #300 as a bus driver and at Kroger's.

Vanessa volunteered in many local things, more recently helping to organize the Summer Concerts in the Keyes City Park. She was a Du Quoin Girl Scouts leader and Boy Scouts of America leader. She volunteered her time as a classroom parent. Vanessa was instrumental in helping to bring WSIL TV3 and GMA to video the DHS Band back in the 1990's as a Band Parent. She was a Perry County Committee volunteer for the American Cancer Society and a was member of the Du Quoin Youth Club Charity Ball committee. She was a trained American Red Cross volunteer and a member of the Porch Sitters of America Club. She was a volunteer painter for the Du Quoin High School sports signs. She was the creator and administrator of the Du Quoin Chronicles on Facebook.

She went back to receive her G.E.D. and then completed the training for 911 Emergency Tech from John A. Logan. She loved working in the genealogy studies and had been a member of the Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois and Marion, Ill.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She loved sitting in her backyard listening and watching the wildlife and enjoying her plants and flowers. She also enjoyed spending time with her two dogs Haggert and Benji.

Vanessa was born on April 4, 1962 at Benton, Ill., the daughter of James and Vesta (Bradley) Smith.

She married Michael A. Fleming on Oct. 31, 1979 at the Sunfield Baptist Church and he survives.

She is survived by her husband of Du Quoin, son- Michael A. Fleming Jr. and wife Jean of West Frankfort, daughter- Ashley Sneed and husband David of Carterville, two grandchildren- Sydney Fleming of Mulkeytown and Pierson Shelton of Carterville, two sisters- Jama Drysdale of Du Quoin and Mindy Perez and husband Jorge of Du Quoin, mother-in-law- Georgia Fleming of Du Quoin, 12 nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law and brother-in-law.

A memorial visitation and opportunity to pay respects will be from 10:00 a.m. until Noon on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 at the Keyes City Park in Du Quoin.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Du Quoin Youth Club or to the West Frankfort, Ill. Genealogy Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin is in charge of arrangement.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.