Joyce "Joy" (Chapman) Fleming

Joyce “Joy” Chapman Fleming passed away peacefully with family on August 2, 2018 in Birmingham, AL after a prolonged battle with COPD. Born in Demopolis, AL on June 3, 1929 to the late Giles David and Lida Alston Chapman, she was the youngest of three children. A graduate of Clarke County High School and Jefferson-Hillman Hospital School of Nursing (UAB) in 1950, Joy worked in the OR at Birmingham and Clarke County Hospitals. Joy married her childhood sweetheart, Bill, on December 25, 1950 in Grove Hill, AL, where they grew up together.

Joy was a proud Marine wife of her late husband of 48 years, Major General William “Bill” Burks Fleming. Her life during Bill’s 30 year military career led her all over the country. During his multiple deployments including the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Joy gracefully cared for the family. They retired to Mobile, AL in 1979 where Joy lived until 2016. Possessing unequaled Southern charm and hospitality, Joy was known for her tasty home cooking, baked goods, and pride in Auburn University. Having a loving and generous Christian heart, she always exuded unconditional love, pride, and devotion to her late husband and their three children. She was a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile, often volunteering where her talents were needed. During her time in Mobile, she also participated in the Quilters’ Guild and many enjoyed her sewing creations.

She is survived by her children; Sandi Curtis, Steve Fleming (Jane) and Captain Heidi Fleming, USN (Retired); twin sister, Josie “Jo” McVay, and brother, Giles David Chapman, Jr; her grandchildren, Tara (LTC Robert Underwood, USA), Brandon Curtis (Meg) and Sean Fleming; as well as 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. All of whom, she loved to dote upon and was undoubtedly most proud of them in her life.

A memorial service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Rd, Mobile, AL on Friday, 28 September, starting with a visitation at 9am and the service following at 10am. Joy’s interment with her beloved late husband will be at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola, FL at 1:30pm on the same day. Donations in Joy’s memory can be made to the Semper Fi Fund (www.semperfifund.org), Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org), or Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile (www.christunited.com).