Iris L. Fleming

Iris L. Fleming, 97, longtime resident of Lakeland passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 14, 2015. She was born November 1, 1917 in Englewood, Fl. Iris was predeceased by her loving husband of 70 years, Lamar Fleming, and by her daughter and son-in-law Judy and Jerry Jolicoeur. Iris was also preceded in death by her parents Wade and Nell Ainger Lampp, her brothers Alvin, Landis and Ray Lampp and her sister, Irma Lampp Boyett. Iris is survived by her loving children; Joy Fleming Black (Earl), Landis (DiAnn), Ray (Virginia), Paul (Linda), Steve (Pauline), David (Connie). She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren. Iris was a dominant influence in their lives and will continue to be an inspiration in the family""s memories. After graduation, Iris married her high school sweetheart, Lamar. She was a devoted homemaker working along side and supporting her husband as they raised 7 children. Their home was always open to young people in need. After WWII, while Lamar was attending Stetson University she helped him plant their 1st church " First Baptist of Orange City-which was the 1st of several churches in the central Florida area. Iris had three passions in life besides caring for her family. First was her dedication to God and commitment to serve Him. She was a founding member of Scott Lake Baptist Church which was established in 1972. She served faithfully in many capacities but her favorite service was singing in the choir which she did until she was 95 years young. Second, she was a gifted seamstress, following in the footsteps of her mother who made clothes for Thomas Edison""s wife in Ft. Meyers, Fl. Until her death she made aprons for family and friends and keepsake angels for many of the loved ones in her life. Iris was given the name of a flower at birth thus perhaps instilling her third passion, gardening. She worked in her yard planting flowers and pulling weeds until her children had to tell her that she could no longer continue at age 95. Her yard was admired by all who came to visit and was like a miniature Cypress Gardens. The family would like to express their appreciation to the caregivers of Helping Hands who have lovingly cared for our Mom around the clock for the past year, her church family who visited, baked cookies and brought meals, and to friends who lovingly pulled weeds in her yard so that she could enjoy her flowers. Also, our appreciation to Good Shepherd Hospice for their care of Mom and guiding us during this difficult time. Visitation will be from 1:00 " 2:00 pm with services to follow on October 17, 2015 at Scott Lake Baptist Church. Interment will be at Fitzgerald Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Scott Lake Baptist Church building fund or Good Shepherd Hospice in Lakeland. "As For Me" As for me and my two eyes, We have seen it all Born and raised in the Lord's love, Living by his call As for me and my Lamar, He was a blessing to behold Our love, it just grew stronger In the years we both grew old As for me and my hands, We have sewn it all Stitching slow and steady Not a project too big or small As for me and my time here, On this Earth, as I live each day It's not what you do in this lifetime It's that you let Jesus guide the way. I may carry a heavy heart some days And on those days, I pray for peace I look around at all I have here, And know His grace and mercy never cease I'll keep on stitching until He calls me home I'll be ready then, my love for Him outpoured, because "As for me and my house, we will serve The Lord." -For Iris Fleming - By Kimberly Black Service: 10/17/2015 Scott Lake Baptist Church 5811 Scott Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813 Scott Lake Baptist Church Visitation: 10/17/2015 Scott Lake Baptist Church