Beatrice Fleming

Beatrice “Bea” Rebecca (née Ellis) Fleming passed away peacefully on April 30, 2021 in Sandestin, Florida with her children at her side. Bea was born on April 14, 1930 in Vancleave, MS. An ardent believer in the transformative power of education, Bea attended Perkinston Junior College before earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and additional graduate degrees in education. She taught English at public schools in Vancleave, MS, Moore, OK and Ocean Springs, MS and passed on her love of education to her family. Bea was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. She had a passion for reading, a practical sensibility, and a love for the outdoors and gardening, which resulted in a house that was often filled will day lilies, camellias, and fresh vegetables on the table. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church Vancleave where she loved bible study, playing the piano, and working on the church history. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, John “Jake” Calvin Fleming, her father, Benjamin Edward Ellis, mother, Jimmie Manning Ellis, brother, Benjamin Edward Ellis, Jr., and sister, Clara Ellis Buchanan. Survivors include her son, James “Jim” Edward King of Frankfort, Kentucky; and daughters Jane King of Miramar Beach, Florida, and Carol King-Baer of Nashville, Tennessee; Grandchildren include (by age order): Aaron (Ellen) McLemore, Jackson (Erinbeth) King, Ellen (Josh) Redmon, Jillian (David) Roberts, Julie (Elliot) Baer, Jodie (Jacob) McEwen, Paul Stoppert; and 9 great-grandchildren with 2 upcoming births. She is also survived by her brother, Ivan (Linda) Ellis; and sister Judy (née Ellis) Majkowski; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, from 10 am to 11 am at the First Baptist Church Vancleave followed by an 11 am service. Burial will follow in the Ramsay Vancleave #2 Cemetery, east of Highway 57. The family would like to extend special thanks to Brookdale Destin, Regency Hospice, Saint Paul’s Senior Community home, and Whole Care for their loving care of Bea. Flowers may be sent to First Baptist Church Vancleave. In lieu of a monetary donation, the family asks that you donate a book to your local library or plant a flower or tree in her honor. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi, is honored to serve the Fleming family.