Mrs. Bernice Richardson Fleming

Olivia Bernice Richardson Fleming, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was the only child of the late Oliver Park Richardson, a well-known musician, and Lavina Price Richardson. She was known as “Bernice” to all her family and friends. The Lord called Bernice home at the age of 98 on Thanksgiving Day 2025.

Bernice was educated in the public schools of Winston-Salem and New York City. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Antioch College. Music and faith were always the most important parts of her life and that of her

family. She began music training at age seven and began playing at church at nine years old. As an adult, she became choir director of the St. James AME Church Choir in Winston-Salem.

Bernice worked for the Voice of America, US Information Agency for 33 years, retiring in 1984 from the Latin American Division. Following her retirement, she served as executive director of the DC Music Center, a private community school, from 1984 to 1987. In 1990, she was elected the first African American president of

the DC Federation of Music Clubs, an affiliate of the National Federation of Music Clubs, serving until 1994.

In her church affiliations, Bernice served as assistant organist and choir director at Pilgrim AME Church in DC before coming to First Baptist Church, Georgetown on Christmas Sunday, December 25, 1956, where she began working as organist for the Gospel Choir.

Later, Bernice became minister of music and she and her husband

Attrus, known as the “dynamic duo” at First Baptist, worked together as a music team there for over 45 years. Also, Mrs. Fleming led many fund-raising activities at the church. If there was a church fund-raising project, Bernice Fleming was usually

the chairperson.

Bernice loved the Lord and lived her life as a dedicated Christian. Loving, thoughtful and generous, she was always there to help

anyone in need. Over the years, she and her husband opened

their home to many family members and other individuals who

needed a hand, helping them get on their feet. Bernice was known

for her expert cooking skills. She and her husband traveled

extensively throughout the United States and abroad, particularly during their retirement years. One of their most memorable trips was to Rome, Italy. And they really enjoyed taking their grandchildren on trips annually during the summer months.

Bernice’s husband, Attrus, preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory daughters Rosilyn King (Paul) and Anita Fleming Tillman (Maurice); granddaughter Risa Fitzgerald-Fields (Kenneth); son Reginald Fitzgerald; great-grandsons Brandon Fitzgerald and Kenny Tate; cousins Jason Hawkins, III (Joan) and Tresha Dunlap (Jerry); godsons William Taylor II, Darryl Moore,

Lt. Col. Oscar Vaughn, David Canada, Dr. Keith Dixon, and Thomas N. Flagg; goddaughters Dr. Jacquelyn Moore, Alveria Ford(Theodore), and Dr. Kimberly Flagg Sellers; and dear friend Etta Hatton.

A visitation will be held on December 13, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church - Georgetown, located at 2624 Dumbarton St NW, Washington DC, 20007.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the same location from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service is scheduled for December 13, 2025, from 2:30 pm to 2:45 pm at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD, 20722.