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Laura Fleshman Obituary

Mrs. Laura Pickett Fleshman was born on February 10, 1932, in Camden, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late John Arthur and Tena Davis Pickett. After graduating from Benedict College with her degree in education, she moved to Elloree, SC where she lovingly taught elementary students at Elloree Training School. In 1956, the teachers were given an ultimatum to sign an oath against the NAACP. Laura was among 21 teachers who refused to do so and left their jobs. After this act of courage, she moved to New York City where she met and married the late Gilbert Fleshman of Charleston, West Virginia. From this union came one daughter, Sharon. In addition to being a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, Laura also received much fulfillment from serving and advocating for her home care clients as a caseworker with the New York City Department of Social Services. After retiring, she and her husband moved to Columbia, South Carolina and joined Northminster Presbyterian Church (USA). She embraced both biological and extended family and was affectionately known as "Aunt Laura." She is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Fleshman, her sisters, Nola Smith, Kathleen Thomas, and Tena Foye, and her brothers, Willie Pickett, Joseph Pickett, Alvin Pickett, Carter Missouri and Clarence Missouri. Those left to cherish fond memories are her daughter, Sharon Fleshman, two sisters-in-law, Betty Missouri and Gloria Missouri, and a host of loving nephews, nieces, and friends. Laura leaves a legacy of faith, joy, generosity, courage and abundant love. Other giving options in lieu of flowers are listed below based on Laura's affiliations and interests AARP Foundation: https://foundation.aarp.org/site/Donation/make-gift-search Benedict College: https://benedict.edu/give/online-giving/ .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post and Courier - Columbia on May 14, 2025.

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Memorial Events
for Laura Fleshman

May

16

Service

1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Palmer Memorial Chapel

1200 Fontaine Place, Columbia, SC 29223

May

17

Service

12:00 p.m.

Northminster Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

6717 David Street, Columbia, SC 29203

May

19

Interment

1:00 p.m.

Florence National Cemetery

803 East National Cemetery Rd, Florence, SC

Funeral services provided by:

Palmer Memorial Chapel - Columbia

1200 Fontaine Place P.O. Box 586, Columbia, SC 29202

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