Julie Parke Fleming

Julie Lee Fleming (Parke), Age 75, of Bakersfield, California, passed away on June 26, 2025, after fighting a nine-year long battle with cancer. Her strength and courage were a testament to us all.

Julie was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, teacher and friend to all those fortunate enough to know her.

She was born and raised in Carey, Idaho, to Joyce Parke and John Parke and attended school in the Blaine County District. In 1968, she graduated high school as valedictorian.

While raising her children and managing a home, Julie entered college at the University of Houston and finished her studies at Cal State Bakersfield, earning a degree in Communications and Art Therapy with a minor in Spanish.

A gifted artist and teacher, Julie was an art instructor at Castle, Stockdale, and B.L. Williams Elementary Schools for eighteen years. She taught classes at the Bakersfield Art Association and served on the board of the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Julie was commissioned to paint for the 2016 Driven by Art Association and participated each year in the Via Arte festival. Upon retirement, she created an art instructional video for Grades K-12 titled "Art Time by Miss Julie".

Julie is survived by her husband, her best friend and the love of her life, Michael Fleming. She also leaves behind her son Matthew Fleming and daughter Amanda Fleming; her seven grandchildren; her mother Joyce Parke; her brother and two sisters; and her nieces and nephews.

Julie is preceded in death by her father, John Parke, as well as her in-laws, Beatrice and James Fleming.

The service will take place at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93312, on July 29th, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Mission at Kern County.