Helen Adams Fleming

Helen was born in Utica, NY to Francis and Alice Adams on February 20, 1931. The family later moved to Hobe Sound, Florida.

After attending Florida schools, Helen was off to boarding school, graduating from Noroton Academy, Noroton, CT, which she attended with her sister, Mary Alice. After Mary Mount College in New York City, she continued to live and work in the city where she enjoyed carefree and happy days. One of her fondest memories was driving a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park sans driver. It is also where her sister, Mary Stephens, introduced her to her husband, George Fleming.

After their wedding, George and Helen lived in Charlotte, where they raised their four children. Although Helen was a proud Yankee, she adjusted well to the South and never met a stranger. Nothing pleased Helen more than long dialogues, infused with her quick wit and charm. Anyone who had a half hour to spare was fair game.

Helen’s greatest source of satisfaction was her devotion to family, friends and interests. Her constant encouragement and unconditional love was her gift to all who knew and loved her. This was seen not only by her family members, but through her time spent at Hospitality House, St. Gabriel’s Church, St. Peter’s RC Church and UMAR. As a young woman, when she had time to spare, she was also an excellent tennis player.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 57 years, George William Fleming Jr.; her four children, Helen (Honey) Fleming, Ann (John “Jeb”) Bourgeois of Charlotte; George (Caroline) Fleming and Joanie Lamb of Asheville; six grandchildren, Aidan, Conlan, Skyler, Nicholas, Amelia of Asheville and Fleming of Charlotte; and one brother, Bud (Carol) Adams of Lost Tree, FL. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Alice Stephens and Joan Harris; her nephew, Francis “Chappy” Adams; and nieces, Nina and Amanda Adams.

The family is in heartfelt gratitude to Helen’s “Dream Team” of caregivers who helped care for, love and do for her what her sickness had taken away: Alice Vate, Anna Smith, Florence Boakye, Valerie White, Mattie Moultry and Tamelia Morris.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, October 7 at 2:00 pm at St. Peter Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte NC, with a reception to follow at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider sending contributions to: UMAR, 5350 77 Center Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217; Catholic Social Services, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 2820; or Charlotte Neuroscience Foundation, 300 Billingsley Rd., Suite 108, Charlotte, NC 28211.