Joy Fleming

The Lord called home one of His precious daughters, Joy Faye Fleming, on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the age of 47. Joy truly lived up to her name; she was a true joy to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was preceded in death by her loving, supportive father, Charles D. Fleming. She is survived by her loving and devoted mother, Sandra K. Fleming; brothers, Jeffrey C. Fleming (Nicole), Travis D. Fleming (Jenna), and Mark T. Fleming (Leeann). Additionally, she is survived by her nieces, Zoie, Monroe, Sloane, Kara, and Analise Fleming; and by her nephews, Xavier (Skyla), Noah, and Judson Fleming.
Joy was born with Down's Syndrome, but you better believe that she didn't let her condition hold her back from thriving in all areas of life. Her parents did an amazing job of ensuring Joy received the best opportunities to live a normal and blessed life. The Lord knew what He was doing when He allowed Joy to have such a loving, supportive Father, and the perfect Mother who had an incredible bond with her daughter.
Joy attended Hollis Center for her early childhood education and then Washington Center School, where her daddy also taught Physical Education. She loved riding to school with her daddy. She sang in the chorus while at Washington Center, and a highlight each year was for her chorus to sing at the Haywood Mall at Christmas. At Washington Center, she was also a member of the clogging team. Her family loved watching her perform at Country Earl's restaurant.
In middle school, Joy had a great time at Beck Middle. She then had an amazing experience as a high school student at Berea High where she graduated in 1998. She attended her Senior Prom and frequently spoke about her friends and her experiences as a high school student.
One of Joy's favorite things to tell others was, "I graduated!" Moreover, she often asked people where they went to high school and when they graduated. She was fortunate to have many loving teachers invest in her well-being throughout the years. After high school, Joy held several jobs and enjoyed her time at each one.
Joy was a talented athlete, and she competed in Special Olympics throughout her school years into adulthood. She competed in bowling, swimming, golf, and the highlight of her Special Olympics competition was when she was selected to compete on the Bocce Team in the World Special Olympics in 1999.
Joy actively attended Camp Spearhead each summer, and she loved participating in day outings on Saturdays through their program.
For the past ten years, Joy has been part of the "Recess" program for special needs adults at the Greenville Y on Cleveland Street. She was fortunate to have some amazing teachers and workers pour into her, and her family is grateful for their love for Joy.
Joy remembered all her family members' birthdays, and she wanted to buy each one a cake to celebrate. She was well loved at the Furman Publix as she would be there at their bakery to help her mom get those birthday cakes!
Most importantly, Joy loved Jesus! She loved to sing about Him, and she also loved to listen to Michael W. Smith's music. She kept a journal filled with Bible verses that she copied from her Bible.
Joy also loved to go to church. She was an active member of First Assembly on Haywood Road. Their special needs class, "Able Island", led by Chris Ingels, was such a blessing to Joy, and her family can't thank them enough for ministering to her.
Finally, the Fleming family would like to thank the numerous caregivers, including those at Hilltop Memory Care, and a dear friend to Joy and her mom, Danielle, who has gone above and beyond in loving and caring for Joy.
Joy is now with the Lord Jesus, and she is enjoying being in His presence! The beauty of the Gospel assures us that we will see her again because of Christ! Joy leaves an indelible mark on all our lives, and we can still say, "The joy of the Lord is our strength!"
A visitation will be held Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 12:00 noon until 1:45 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Livestream by clicking on the "WATCH EVENT" button located in the Services section.
Flowers will be accepted, and memorials may be given to the "Recess" special needs program at the Greenville YMCA, 721 Cleveland St., Greenville, SC 29601, as well as to Greenville First Assembly, 1105 Haywood Rd., Greenville, SC 29615.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Joy with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory". To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joy, please visit our floral store.