RALEIGH--Lillian H. East (93) peacefully died March 10, leaving behind a huge fan club of friends and devoted family members. She will be remembered for her love of gardening, her charming paintings, and her ability to surround herself with friends of all ages. Her love for her children was deep: she reveled in their accomplishments, hurt with their sorrows, and felt sheer joy and delight in spending time with them. At the mention of their names, her eyes would shine and her smile would grow bigger.

The daughter of Viola Asbill and John Holt, Lillian was born January 5, 1925 and was the youngest of four children. She often spoke of her childhood in Raleigh where she had memories of living two blocks from the nearest trolley stop, shopping and watching movies on Fayetteville Street, sitting on her front porch chatting with neighbors, swimming at Hayes Barton pool, and listening to the radio at night.

Following her marriage to George Milton Fleming, also from Raleigh, they moved to Louisburg where he opened a wholesale produce business. Lillian became a full-time mother to the four children to whom she was so devoted. It was a busy life at the Fleming house where pleasure abounded.

Following the sudden death of Milton, Lillian married attorney Thomas F. East.

Lillian is survived by Mary Ann Yarborough of Raleigh, George Milton Fleming Jr. (Nita) of Concord, Robert Howard Fleming of Raleigh, Paul Holt Fleming (Jenni) of Wilmington; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. March 17, 2018 at Louisburg United Methodist Church.

Lillian will be remembered and mourned by everyone whose life she touched.

Paid Obituary