LaVerne Estella Brown Fleming Guines, 94, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025. Born on July 5, 1931, in East Orange, New Jersey, she was the beloved daughter of Katherine Biot Fleming, John T. Brown, and stepfather George Fleming. A lifelong educator, LaVerne earned her Bachelor of Science degree from District of Columbia Teacher’s College and continued on to obtain a Master of Arts in Education from George Washington University. She built a distinguished career in the Washington, D.C. school district, where she served as both teacher and administrator, touching the lives of countless students and colleagues. It was in Washington that she met and married the love of her life, Dr. James T. Guines, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage until his passing just three months prior to hers. Together, LaVerne and Jim retired in 1988 to Palm Coast, FL and built a home, found a strong sense of community, and co-founded the African American Mentor Program (AAMP), which continues to thrive in its 23rd year. A devoted member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, LaVerne was known for her faith, compassion, and quiet strength. She is survived by cousins Gail MacKinnon (Ovid) of Pasadena, CA, Garon Biot of New York, NY, Lynn Biot-Gordon (Kennedy) of West Orange, NJ, Victoria Bond (Drew Baughman) of South Orange, NJ, Shari Gordon, Chaz Gordon, Keats Bond Baughman, stepdaughter Kimberly Blowe (Irving) and many other loving relatives across the country and dear friends near and far. A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5400 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast, FL.
In lieu of flowers, LaVerne's family requests that donations be made to: AAMP Flagler County School District
1769 East Moody Blvd. Bunnell, FL 32110
