Martha Boardman Fleming

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Martha Boardman Fleming died at her residence Wednesday afternoon, October 29, 2008. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Fleming Boardman and Alonzo Plumb Boardman. Martha was preceded in death by her husband Dr. William Henry Fleming II. Above all Martha was a realist and naturalist. She created gardens, restored buildings, had friends from all walks of life, and was a culinary artist. Prior to attending classes at Gaston Le Notre in France and The Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, Martha graduated from Mount Vernon in Washington, DC and Katherine Gibbs in Boston. She opened The Cookery in Surrey Center, a cooking gift shop and sought after lunch spot. She catered and taught numerous cooking classes. Her book The Grits Tree is sold throughout the South ~ a culture and lifestyle she adored. Martha gave to her friends and family through her cooking, entertaining, and gardening. She created festive productions. At the time of Prince Charles' marriage, Martha gathered her friends at 5:oo am, in their pajamas if they chose, and invited them to attend a marriage celebration with steak and kidney pie, ale, bangers, and mash. Sadly, Martha had to gather friends again for Charles' divorce and served blackened red fish and blood pudding! Any event could prompt Martha to summon friends to her wide, long, and generous table decorated with style and creativity. She retained an active interest in vintage wines and French cooking. Martha's friendships were diverse and lasting. She loved the beach and swimming in the icy waters at her family's country place in Bath, GA. Martha stood for what she believed in and respected what others believed in as well. Martha is survived by her daughter Catherine Boardman Fleming of Charlotte, NC, two sons William Henry Fleming III and Thomas Porter Fleming II, both of Augusta, GA., her granddaughter Catherine Elizabeth Fleming, her sister Elizabeth Boardman Bowring, and her brother Alonzo Plumb Boardman, Jr. and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Summerville Cemetery. Dogs are welcomed. Donations in memory of Martha may be made to C.S.R.A. Humane Society, P.O. Box 14667, Augusta, Ga. 30919; Planned Parenthood, 1289 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga. 30901; Golden Harvest Food Bank, 3310 Commerce Drive, Augusta, Ga. 30909; Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy (Phinizy Swamp), 1858 Lock and Dam Road, Augusta, Ga. 30906; or The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA. 22203.