MRS. MILDRED C. FLEMING

Mrs. Mildred Cordelia Fleming (nee Liddel) was born in West Helena, Arkansas to the
devoted parents, Cotrell and Hattie (nee Harris) Liddel on January 15, 1928.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her beloved husband, James
Fleming, her son, Jimmie Nelson Owens, and her grandson, Tracey Nelson Owens.
Mildred spent her early and teenage years in Louisville, Mississippi, where she was
raised alongside her, cousins, Mr. Shellie Anderson and Mrs. Henrietta Coleman, both
of whom also preceded her in death. Their childhood was rooted in love, family, and
faith on the Louisville family farm, surrounded by their parents and grandparents, Eli
and Lucy Harris. It was there she learned the values that shaped her life: a love for
God and family, a strong work ethic, the joy of cooking, and a heart for serving
others.
At an early age, Mildred accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Mount Caney
Baptist Church in Louisville. She and her cousins attended school in the Louisville
school district and were nurtured in faith and community.
In the winter of 1942 Mildred C. Liddel was wedded in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Jim
Owens of Louisville, MS. To this union was born one son, Jimmie Nelson Owens, who
precedes her in death: one daughter, Mildred Darnell Owens.
In the fall of 1949, as part of the Great Migration, Mildred moved north to East St.
Louis, Illinois, where she made her home with her cousin, Henrietta, and her
husband, Albert Coleman. On the very evening of her arrival, she joined Mount Zion
Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. B. Haney. For more
than 70 years plus, she was a faithful and cherished member of Mt. Zion Missionary
Baptist Church, serving under the leadership of the late Rev. W.B. Rouse, the late Rev.
C. Cedric Clayborne, and the late, beloved, Rev. John H. Rouse.
In September 1951, Mildred married James Fleming in a beautiful ceremony held in
their living room by Rev. Walter B. Rouse, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The late
First Lady Evelyn Rouse lovingly served as their witness.
Mildred's love for her church family was evident in her lifelong service. She was active
in the young Matrons Society, the Junior choir, the Altar Flower Guild (where she
served as Treasurer), the Missionary
Dept, served as an advisor and mentor to the Women In The Word ministry. She also
supported the Angel Tree Christmas and youth camping programs through Prison
Fellowship. Additionally, she was a proud member of Mt. Zion's Sunday School Class
37C.
Each year during the Missionary Department's Black History month celebrations,
church members always looked forward to Mrs. Fleming's cooking, especially her
famous oxtails and hearty vegetable soup.
Mildred continued her education at State Community College (East St. Louis) and
became a certified day care provider. She worked at the former Southern Illinois
University Day Care Center before following her calling to establish and operate
Unique Day Care Provider (UDCP). For more than 50 years, she lovingly cared for
and nurtured countless infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. Her
dedication to young children was a true ministry of love.
Even after retiring well into her eighties, her greatest joy came from spending time
and spoiling her grand-children and great-grandchildren. For over 70 years, she
was a proud and devoted resident of the East St. Louis community and took
immense pride in her neighborhood, community life, and civic responsibilities.
Mildred found joy in the simple blessings that reflected her grace and spirit. She
adored wearing her beautiful church hats, spent quiet moments reading and
journaling, and took pride in gardening and planting flowers. She delighted in
cooking and lovingly preparing holiday meals for her family. Her culinary skills were
truly a gift, every dish she made was filled with love, flavor, and care. Cooking was
more than a talent for her, it was how she shared warmth, comfort, and love. Above
all she was a radiant source of love, wisdom, elegance, and encouragement to
everyone she encountered.
On Tuesday, October 7, the cherished matriarch of the Fleming family, Mrs. Mildred
C. Fleming, transitioned peacefully in her home surrounded by the loving care of
her family.
She leaves to cherish her memory five daughters, Mildred Owens-Fuller, Beverly
Hills, MI; Yvonnejennai Fleming-Stewart, Belleville, IL; Kathy Fleming-Westley, East
St. Louis, IL; Heavenly Marcina Fleming-Jacox, Edwardsville, IL; Ramonda S. Fleming
(Ernest Clark), Chicago, IL; o n e stepson, James "Pete" Evans, Edwardsville, IL;|
son-in-law; Fredis A. Jacox, II, Edwardsville, IL; two grandsons, Tyrone A. Fuller,
Sherman Oaks, CA; Fredis "AJ" Jacox III, Edwardsville, IL; two granddaughters, Tylen
S. Brazil, Belleville, IL; Jami Debunique Stewart, Belleville, IL; four great grandsons,
Romier (Maria) Owens, Atlanta, GA; Jordan Lord Fuller, Sherman Oaks, CA; Lawrence
Edward Brazil, Ill, Fairview Heights, IL, Jadin Edward Brazil, Fairview Heights, IL; one
great-great grandson; Rohan Alexander Owens, Atlanta, GA; one special nephew,
James "J.D. Fleming, Memphis, TN; a very special elite friend/companion, Mr.
Charles Zuber, East St. Louis, IL; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, other
relatives, church members, neighbors and friends. God has blessed This Family, Our
Mother/Grandmother, and many others by allowing her to live more than 97
years/9 months; and this blessing from God is appreciated and celebrated in her
"Life Reflections." This is an extraordinary blessing and a tribute to God's amazing
grace for which we are forever grateful.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of MRS. MILDRED C. FLEMING, please click here to visit our sympathy store.