The community lost a champion for residents in need last week.
Ann Fleming, who founded Caring Hands Ministry in 1995 with her husband, Charles, passed away Wednesday, July 10 at the age of 76. The ministry works to meet a variety of needs through programs for food, clothing and more, said Lafaye Murphy, Caring Hands Ministry executive director.
“Ann and Charles started the back to school clothes day. That’s something that Ann started that was probably one of her most favorite things,” Murphy said. “She had a rough childhood, and was one of the children who went to school and was made fun of because she didn’t have clothes and shoes like everybody else. Because of her struggles as a child, that was one of the things that was very important to her, getting clothes to people who didn’t have them because she knew what it was like.”
Murphy worked with Ann Fleming for 17 years, beginning with the launching of the ministry’s community Christmas dinner. She said she will miss a lot about Fleming, including being able to call her at anytime.
“I could pick up the phone any hour of the day or night and call her and talk to her about anything,” Murphy said. “Regardless of what it was, whether it be personal or something to do with helping somebody, whatever it was, I could just pick up the phone and call Ann. She might not always tell me what I wanted to hear, but she never faltered.”
Erica Hernandez, now the ministry’s community director, shared that sentiment.
“I’ll miss everything,” Hernandez said. “She was such a wonderful person. I think the thing I’ll miss most is having her call me everyday to check in.”
Hernandez, who has known Fleming for 11 years, described her as family, and said Fleming will be remembered for what she did for the community.
“She was a great person, everybody that knew her loved her,” Hernandez said.
A memorial service will be held for Fleming on Sunday, July 21, at Barrett Funeral Home. A fellowship will be held at 1:30 p.m., with the service following at 3 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation to Caring Hands Ministry can contact Murphy at 706-219-1980 or 706-326-2895.