Community Leader Wilbert E. Fleming Dies at 77
Perry-McStay Funeral Home
Community Leader Wilbert E. Fleming Dies at 77
Wilbert was born and raised in Natchez, MS. Affectionately known as “Pee Wee” to his family, he was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, son-in-law and friend. Wilbert studied Public Administration at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and Roger Williams University in Providence, RI. He had a long-standing career in public administration working for Providence Housing-Chad Brown, Rhode Island Housing, Providence Mayor’s Office, and Providence Community Action. Wilbert was a board member of several organizations including the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, Community Preparatory School, John Hope Settlement House, The Providence Black Repertory Company and Urban League of Rhode Island. He was also a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Rhode Island. Wilbert was involved in many community action initiatives throughout his life and he enjoyed every minute.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Wilbert loved the Lord, and he was baptized in Natchez, MS in 1963. He united with the Ebenezer Baptist Church after settling in Providence. He was a devoted member of Ebenezer for over 40 years where he participated in Bible Study, Church School and the Men’s Ministry. He was also a member of the Trustee Ministry Wilbert was a dedicated community activist and leader, known throughout Rhode Island for helping others and getting things done. He also marched in the civil rights movement as a young man. Wilbert was a veteran having served in the US Army from 1966 to 1969. His first son Delon was born in 1973. He met the love of his life Ardena in 1983 when she was working at the Biltmore in Providence. They married on September 26, 1987 and had two more sons Nigel and Evan. Wilbert loved music, watching “Patriots” football, gardening, cooking soul food (especially beans and collard greens), sweet treats, and spending quality time with family. He loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. Wilbert’s favorite event was going to the RI Black Heritage Ball each year. He was charismatic and had style. He had a way of making everyone he encountered feel special. Wilbert was also a warrior for justice. From an early age, he had a passion for making a difference and helping the disadvantaged. Wilbert’s beautiful spirit and good work touched many lives, and his legacy will be forever in our hearts.
Wilbert was preceded in death by his mother Emma Lee (Foster) Calvit, his father Johnny Fleming and his stepfather Alton Calvit, Sr. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Ardena of 37 years; three sons Delon Gomes-Fleming (Quishona) of Cleveland, OH, Nigel Fleming (Kelsey) of Pawtucket, RI and Evan Fleming of Jersey City, NJ; step-daughter, Trina Barton of Providence, RI; eight brothers, Alton Calvit, Jr. (Yvonne), Michael Calvit (Mary Grace), Randolph Calvit, and Larry Calvit of Houston, TX, Walter Calvit of Natchez, MS, Julian Calvit (Lori) of Pawtucket, RI; Lee Calvit (Joan) of Warwick, RI, and George Fleming (Clarissa) of Euclid, OH; two sisters Pat Fleming-Hembree, and Debra Calvit of Plainfield, NJ; one brother in law, Donald Lee (Shelley) of Stafford,VA; one grand-daughter Jayla Gomes of Cleveland, OH; step grands Antwan and Skyleigh Cummings of Cleveland, OH and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
His funeral and visitation will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 475 Cranston Street, Providence with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial with Military Honors will be held in Swan Point Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a tribute gift (donation) in Wilbert’s memory to: The Parkinson’s Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
www.parkinson.org or http://.www.michaeljfox.org