- Our hearts are heavy to relay the news of the passing of Jonathan Fleming’s mother, Mrs. Patricia Fleming.
Contacted by Mrs. Fleming in 2013, we spent a year in close conversation with her and her son, Jonathan Fleming, concerning his innocence and proving that he was wrongfully convicted. It was the inspiration of this mother and her only child that kept our agency working on the case well past the time our retainer ran out. We felt we had to do all we could to fulfill her wish of seeing him once more as a free man.
Patricia Fleming, known by her family and neighborhood friends as “Patsy,” was born and raised in the small South Carolina town of Kingstree where she met her future husband. Together they moved to Brooklyn, NY, had their only child Jonathan, and settled in the Marcy Housing Projects located in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Patsy worked as a home care professional. After the death of her husband, she remained at the same address for 48 years where all who knew her loved her bubbly personality and kind nature.
The children in the neighborhood were like extended family to her. Along with her grandsons, they lovingly called her “Nana,” who organized many summer barbecues. She watched over the children, inspiring them to better themselves and fulfill their dreams.
Our experience with Mrs. Fleming is that she was in constant prayer for over 24 years that Jonathan was in prison. She knew he didn’t commit the crime he was incarcerated for, and she knew that one day the world would know it and he would be free again. She was the rock, she was the light we followed, and she was loved by so many around her. Patricia Fleming will always be a large part of what our future holds working for others wrongly incarcerated.
The public is invited to join the family Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Ponce Funeral home 54 Thompkins Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11206 (718) 277-2333. The viewing will be from 10:30am – 11:30am and services from 11:30am – 12:30pm.
In honor of her memory, and in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Urban Upbound Organization. Their mission is to break cycles of poverty in public housing neighborhoods by providing the tools and resources needed to achieve economic mobility and self-sufficiency. https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/112712 , and be sure to send a message to Telisha@urbanupbound.org when prompted so they can thank you for your generous gift.
Goodbye, Mrs. Fleming, you will always be remembered fondly.
Kim Anklin and Bob Rahn
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