Helen Victoria Nixon Fleming

Helen Victoria Nixon Fleming passed away peacefully after a battle with brain cancer on August 12, 2019 in Columbia, Tennessee, surrounded by her loved ones.  Helen was born November 19, 1941, in Tampa, Florida to Francis Cobbs Nixon and Hazel Macon Nixon.  She is a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida.  Helen attended Hollins College, The Sorbonne in Paris, France, and the University of Virginia where she earned a degree in French.   She is survived by her husband of 41 years, James McGavock Fleming, daughters, Ashley Spalding Brogan (Brendan) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Alice Spalding Symbas (Nick) of Atlanta, Georgia.  Stepchildren Bonnie Fleming Wilson (Jason) from Alvin, Texas, James Fleming, Jr. (Cheryl) from Nashville, Tennessee, and Patricia Fleming Johnson (Eric) from Seneca, South Carolina.  Grandchildren Brendan Brogan III, Michael Brogan, Helen Symbas, Jake Wilson, Mac Fleming, Swope Fleming, Roth Johnson and Zoe Johnson.  Helen worked as a sales consultant for Carlisle Clothing Collections for over 35 years.  Later, she represented Pierre & Harry jewelers of Naples, Florida.  She enjoyed travel, her “Friday lunch” group, garden club, many friends and family.  She had a passion for gardening and always tended to her boxwoods, flower garden and orchids.  Helen attended First Presbyterian Church with her husband and was also a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal church.  Helen was adored and loved by all who knew her.  She will be remembered as a classic beauty with a kind spirit.  In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to First Presbyterian Church or St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, Tennessee. A memorial service will be held on August 17, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 801 S. High Street, Columbia, TN 38401, with Reverend Len Carrell officiating.  Helen’s immediate family will have a private burial at St. John’s Episcopal Church cemetery prior to the memorial service.  The family will visit with friends after the memorial service.  Oakes and Nichols is assisting the family with arrangements.