Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Ms. Patricia Ann Fleming, affectionately known as “Patsy” or “Pat”, was born on July 2, 1937, in Sun, WV, to Arthur and Louise Baily Fleming.

Pat was the youngest of five children and grew up in Mt. Hope, a place she always held dear and considered home.

Pat, at the tender age of 13, accepted Christ at First Baptist Church in Mt. Hope, beginning a lifelong walk of faith. She graduated from DuBois High School in 1960 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from West Virginia State College. Her passion for education led her to pursue a master’s degree in School Counseling and Guidance from Roosevelt University, followed by over 40 additional credit hours in Special Education at Chicago State University.

Pat, following a visit to Chicago after her graduation, originally intended to last just two weeks, turned into a lifetime. Encouraged by her Aunt Dorothy, Pat made Chicago her new home and dedicated 39 remarkable years to the Chicago Board of Education. Her commitment and excellence as an educator were recognized with four years of “excellent” ratings and thirty-five years of “superior” ratings. Pat was deeply devoted to her students, and the love she gave was returned tenfold by those she inspired.

Pat was a faithful member of Park Manor Congregational United Church of Christ in Chicago, where she served as a devoted usher. She was also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), where she shared in sisterhood and service for many years.

Pat, in her leisure time, enjoyed line dancing, going to the movies, and watching her favorite game shows on television. She was a woman of strength, grace, and quiet determination—a true embodiment of independence.

Patricia Ann Fleming, on June 27, 2025, transitioned peacefully from this life. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Arthur and Louise; brothers, Maurice and Charles and her sister, Joyce Shirley.

Pat leaves to cherish her memories one sister, Jean Fleming Turner of Jamaica, NY; one sister-in-law, Alma Fleming of Mt. Hope, WV; special friends, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Jones of Chicago, IL, Ronald and Dolores of Parkridge, IL and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Her legacy of love, learning, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and cherished her.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, July 11, 2025 at United Missionary Baptist Church 205 S. Fayette Ave. Mt. Hope with Rev. Walter Clay and Elder Dwight Bright officiating. Burial will follow in BlueRidge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Visit Elder Michael McCrays Facebook page to livestream.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.