Educator and artist
July 10, 1932 - March 19, 2024
Norma Juanita Edwards Fleming, 91, died peacefully on March 19, 2024, after a long and accomplished life. She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Charles W. Fleming, her parents, John and Eva Edwards, her sister, Gloria Johnson, and her son, Reginald Fleming.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Norma received a bachelor's degree in education from Case Western Reserve University, and later earned a master’s degree in education from Cleveland State University. She started her teaching career in the Cleveland public schools in 1956, eventually becoming an administrator and serving as the Director of Reading, English and Language Arts for the entire district. She retired from the school district in 1993 and immediately took up oil painting as a hobby.
She quickly became a proficient artist and was soon called upon to paint the portraits of many friends and community leaders, including the late Congressman Louis Stokes, the late U.S. District Judge George White, the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, U.S. Magistrate Judge Joyce London Alexander (retired), former Mayor Michael White, former City Council President George Forbes, Judge Mabel Jasper (retired), the late Arnold Pinkney, Sister Juanita Sheeley, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. and, of course, her late husband, to name but a few.
Norma was an avid knitter, crocheter, and piano player, and taught classical piano as a young adult. Norma was also an excellent bridge player. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Norma is survived by her daughter, retired Texas Administrative Law Judge Patrice R. Fleming; her sons, U.S. District Judge Charles E. Fleming (Sara), and Carlos Fleming, a partner with William Morris Entertainment; her granddaughter, Whitney Squirewell, an IT Specialist with Stagwell Global; her grandson, Charles W. Fleming II, and a host of other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10a at E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home, 25900 Emery Road [44128]. Family visitation will occur from 9a-10a.
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This article was updated March 27, 2024 at 1740 to add the celebration of life service date, and on March 28, 2024 @ 1105 to provide final details.
