Dorothy LaShay Fleming-Smith

Dorothy LaShay Fleming entered this world on Monday, July 10, 1959, in Dothan, Alabama, as the first-born of four daughters to Eddie and Dorothy Vickers Fleming.

LaShay, affectionately known as “Shay,” was a proud member of the 1964 graduating class of Forrester Kindergarten, where she was chosen to deliver the graduation speech. In it, she reminded her fellow young scholars, “We learned a lot of things in kindergarten, but the most important was that we are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.” Shay carried that lesson throughout her life.

She continued her education at East Highland Elementary, Carver Junior High School—where she graduated as Valedictorian—and Dothan High School, Class of 1977, where she was once named “Teen of the Week.” LaShay went on to attend Alabama A&M University, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

At the age of six, LaShay joined Adam Street Missionary Baptist Church—now known as Greater Beulah Baptist Church—where she was baptized, marking the beginning of a lifelong walk with Christ. Her baptism wasn’t just symbolic; it became her way of life. She had a servant’s heart and served diligently in every ministry to which she was called. Over the years, she was a choir member, Sunday School teacher, New Members Class Leader, and Trustee. She also served as the Dean of the Saint Mary’s District Congress of Christian Education. In her later years, she became a faithful and dedicated member of Greater Grace Baptist Church, where she remained active until her passing.

In 1979, LaShay became a member of the Gamma Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® at Alabama A&M University. After graduation, she joined the Kappa Pi Omega Graduate Chapter, where she served in several leadership positions including the 13th Chapter President from 2016–2017.

LaShay was also a proud member of The Wilson Choice Chapter No. 625, Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as a Past Worthy Matron. She was active in the Pride of the Wiregrass Assembly No. 229, Order of the Golden Circle, Orient of Alabama, Valley of Dothan, where she served as a Past Loyal Lady Ruler.

She was a member of the NAACP and the Alabama A&M University Alumni Association.

LaShay retired from SpectraCare Health Systems after more than 30 years of dedicated service, having worked as the Accounting Manager.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eddie Fleming; her brother-in-love, Fenton Jenkins; and a special brother-cousin, Malcolm Gibson.

LaShay was a firm believer in doing what was right. She followed the rules, led with fairness, and was known as the peacemaker, problem solver, motivator, encourager, secret keeper, and protector. She was a lover of hymns and had a song for every occasion. A lifelong learner, not a day went by without her reading the Word of God, a devotional, or a book to grow her Christian Walk. She was a sought-after Women’s Day speaker throughout Dothan, Abbeville, Gordon, and Eufaula, Alabama.

LaShay’s remarkable life and legacy will be forever cherished by her loving and devoted mother, Mrs. Dorothy V. Fleming; a special grandmother, Mrs. Evelyn “Nanny” Williams; and her three sisters: Vicki Fleming Jenkins, Cyla Fleming Harrell, and Vanessa Fleming (Michael) Smith. She also leaves behind her Godson, Reverend Dr. Jesse (Catesha) Nelson; her God-grandchildren, Jacey and Cary Nelson; and four God-sisters: Betty (Shelly) Watson, Albertina Hughey, Venus (Alvin) Hines, and Keisha Grayson. She will be lovingly remembered by her favorite, only niece, Vanicki CaShay (Reginald) Westbrook; great-nephew and niece, Ryan & KyLynn Grace Westbrook; God-niece, Kevelyn Grayson; special brother, Gregory Miley; and two cherished brother-cousins, Edward (Sylvia) Fleming and Paul (Dionne) Pettis. Her memory will live on in the hearts of a host of extended family and dear friends.

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