Ruth L. Fleming

Mrs. Ruth L. Fleming was the second of two children born to the late William and Mary D. Lewis, in Richmond, Va., on Dec. 11, 1923.

She is predeceased by her brother, Mason L. Lewis.

She resided in Ettrick, for more than 44 years and departed this life on Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, at the Colonial Heights Health Care Center.

She was raised in the Fulton community of Richmond, and educated in the Richmond Public Schools, graduating from Armstrong High School in 1941. At an early age, she joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and was active in various youth organizations. In 1948, she married Bruce E. Fleming, and this blessed union lasted until his passing in 2007.

She was a faithful member of the Historic Gillfield Baptist Church for more than 56 years and actively participated in many activities. During its initial years, in 1968, she accepted the pastor's request to serve as the interim director and then a teacher of the newly opened Gillfield Baptist Church Day Care Center. She was also actively involved in other church ministries including the Parish Club, Day Care Board, Women's Fellowship, Women's Usher Board and Youth Usher Board coordinator. Her community and civic activities included Life member NAACP, Annual Heart Fund Drive, Mary Carter Beacon House (Hall of Fame Honoree and Board member), Friends of the Ettrick-Matoaca Library (member and the first volunteer to serve at the library), CAPAAMMD (Civic and Progressive Action Association of the Matoaca Magisterial District), and the College Park Neighborhood Watch Association.

Prior to establishing a home in Ettrick, Va., Ruth and Bruce and their children resided in Raleigh, N.C.; Blackstone and Petersburg, Va. From 1963-65, Ruth, Bruce and their children had a once in a lifetime experience to live in Nigeria, West Africa, for two years. While living in Nigeria, the family traveled extensively throughout Nigeria and the surrounding West African countries. Also while overseas, Ruth and her family traveled to various countries in Western Europe. Additionally, Ruth and her husband had the opportunity to travel to Egypt, and several Asian countries, as well as many USA locations.

Her life was a true testament of her favorite scripture, Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer." All who were blessed to be in her presence, described her as a sweet, quiet and loving person. She was blessed to live a life enjoying her family, church and friends, and her hobbies, and was especially fond of time spent with her grandchildren.

The family wishes to acknowledge all of the staff at the Colonial Heights Health Care Center, especially the dedicated nursing leadership, nurses, and CNAs working on the James Madison wing and the Activity Department staff.

Left to cherish her treasured memories are four children: Jacqueline, Bruce Jr., Shelia and Gregory; two daughters-in-law, Cheryl and Janet; seven grandchildren, Nicole, Justin, Jasmine, Brandon, Jared, Bradford and Cameron; nephew Mason Lewis Jr. (Jeanette); three sisters-in-law, Juanita F. Nash, Estelle F. Braxton-Davis and Doris T. Fleming; one devoted cousin, Rosetta Smothers; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Mary Carter Beacon House in Petersburg.

On Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, family visitation will be held at 11 a.m., with the Homegoing Service to follow at noon, all at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry St., Petersburg. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, Chester.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Mrs. Fleming's name to the Gillfield Baptist Church Parish Club or the Mary Carter Beacon House in Petersburg.

Arrangements entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home, Petersburg. Condolences may be sent to www.blandenterprisesinc.com.