Fannie Lee Kemp was born on August 8, 1912, and was the fourth child born to Ed and Isadora Kemp. In her youth and young adulthood, like many in the Kemp family, she made a living by farming (share cropping), and by doing “day work “ for local wealthy families – washing clothes, cooking, and cleaning for $3 a day. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, and had a passion for flowers.  Had a green thumb — anything she touched would grow.  Her favorite flower was the rose.

In 1937, she married William Chestnut, and they had 3 children – Margaret, Thurman, and Shirley. While raising a family, she and her husband made a living by farming. Around 1956, Fannie started working at “The Blue Jean” as a janitor, her first full-time public job.  Guided by her love of flowers, Fannie later opened Chestnut’s Florist in the 1960’s, the first black-owned florist in Whiteville, NC. The original building on Virgil Street still stands today. On the farm, she grew vegetables that she would regularly sell at the local Farmer’s Market.

She was a member of New Light Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as an Usher, Mission’s President, Deaconess, and head of the Pastor’s Aid committee.

As of February 2017, their union has produced 3 children, 13 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren.

Fannie passed away in February 2002.