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/
.