In Loving Memory of Rev. Dr. Joe Billy Fleming
Rev. Dr. Joe Billy Fleming peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday morning at 10:33 a.m., receiving the peace he had prayed for just a day earlier.
Born November 8, 1941, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, Joe Billy was the ninth of eleven children born to Deacon John Alfred and Rosetta Mence Fleming. His early commitment to education led him to graduate from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, in 1963, and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology in Richmond, Virginia, in 1967. He further enriched his theological foundation at United Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and the School of Religion at Boston University.
During his sophomore year in 1961, Joe Billy joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Bishop College when it was located in Marshall, Texas. His leadership was evident early on when he, alongside two fraternity brothers from Gamma Chapter, led students from Bishop College and Wiley College in efforts to desegregate public facilities in Marshall. Joe Billy’s unwavering commitment to justice resulted in his arrest during the Black Students sit-in for U.S. Civil Rights in Marshall, Texas, in 1960. Five months after his arrest, the cases against him and 34 other protesters were dismissed following the tragic death of a fellow student in a car accident.
Joe Billy’s ministerial journey began during his studies at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, when he started serving at Antioch Baptist Church in Susan, Virginia.
On Friday, July 10, 1964, at Greater St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas, Rev. Dr. Joe Billy Fleming married his college sweetheart Johnnie Mitchell. To this union were added three children.
From 1964 to 1969, he served as the beloved pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, accomplishing remarkable achievements during his tenure. Under his guidance, the church successfully paid off its mortgage and hired its first Minister of Christian Education, Rev. D. E. Love. Pastor Fleming also oversaw an extensive church renovation project in 1968 that included the installation of a baptistery pool, a new mural, new doors, acoustic ceiling, plastered walls, tiled restrooms, and new light fixtures at a cost of $29,000. The congregation deeply cherished his leadership until he tendered his resignation on August 17, 1969, during the church’s Homecoming celebration.
During his impactful tenure from 1969 to 1981 in Richmond, Virginia, as pastor of the Quioccasin Baptist Church, he simultaneously served as Director of Community Organization, Richmond Community Action Program, and the Director of Training and Planning for a multi-million dollar social agency for twelve years. His community leadership included serving as President of the Henrico Branch of the NAACP and the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and vicinity, as well as board memberships with Meals-on-Wheels and the American Red Cross.
In 1981, Joe Billy began his most enduring pastoral role when he became the 8th pastor of Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. He faithfully served this congregation for thirty-five years until his retirement on November 30, 2016, after which he was honored as the church’s first Pastor Emeritus.
His extensive community service in the Portsmouth area included roles as the 44th President of what is now the Metro Ministers Conference of Virginia, Inc., President of the Portsmouth Branch of the NAACP, chairman and member of the Electoral Board for the City of Portsmouth for thirteen years, and board member for the Southeastern Red Cross and the Urban League of Hampton Roads. He also served as chairman of the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army of Portsmouth, board member of the Center for Community Development, Inc., and was a founding member and past president of the Martin Luther King Leadership Steering Committee of Portsmouth. His dedication extended to roles as Commissioner of the Virginia Port Authority and as chair and board member of the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Joe Billy’s service was recognized with numerous honors, including a 2011 Humanitarian Award for Hampton Roads from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, “Pastor of the Year” by the Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers’ Conference, and the 2012 Grassroots Volunteer for the Commonwealth of Virginia for the 3rd Congressional District.
Joe Billy was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sisters Mary Fleming, Jean Moss, and Wanda Johnson, and brothers James, Earl, Donald, John, and Lee.
Joe Billy leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 60 years, Johnnie Mitchell Fleming; his son, Kelton C. Fleming (Veronica) of San Jose, California; daughter, Zina Fleming Hall of Houston, Texas; and son, Joseph A. Fleming, who succeeded him as the 9th Senior Pastor of Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. “Buddy,” as he was affectionately known, also leaves four grandchildren: Ahmir Hall, Ashley Hall, Adrienne Hall, and Laila Fleming.
Additionally, Joe Billy is survived by his sisters, Sammye Jackson of Omaha, Nebraska, and Bee Be (Robert) Telfair of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Thelma Fleming of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Rosia Fleming of Austin, Texas, Gladys Fleming of Richmond, Virginia, and Robbie Fleming of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and brother and sisters-in-law, Earl (Rose) Mitchell of Rochester, New York, Martha (Bill) Williams and Mary Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas, and Toy Royal of Fort Worth, Texas. He’s also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Condolences(32)-
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
© Metropolitan Funeral Service
Andrew J. Lewis says
April 17, 2025 at 12:22 pmPastor Fleming,
May you forever Rest in Peace. Well done.
Your sermons and that Laugh will never be forgotten.
Derryl Harris says
April 21, 2025 at 11:51 amThe Bible declares blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. It is with that blessed assurance that I extend my deepest condolences to the Fleming family 🙏🏾. Pastor performed my wedding ceremony 32 years ago! Rest in Power..
Vernell & Esther Gray says
April 17, 2025 at 2:31 pmTo the Family of
Rev. Dr. Joe B. Fleming
May the peace of God be with you all. Rev. Joe fought a good fight & he kept the faith. Yes he did have a hilarious laugh. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
From Sisters Vernell M. & Esther M. Gray of MGMBC.
Deborah E Mapp says
April 17, 2025 at 9:14 pmWell done, thy good and faithful servant. May he rest with Jesus. He had an affectionate smile and a laugh that could not be duplicated. May his family be strengthened by God. Peace and love.
Cheryl Davis-Elliott says
April 18, 2025 at 11:06 amMy sincere condolences to the family of this wonderful man of God. God bless you 🙏🏿 ❤️
Walter,Nancy Moss and family says
April 18, 2025 at 11:59 amUncle Joe’s smile will be missed, and his hugs everytime we saw him. He lived for the Lord and now has accomplished what all of us hope to do.
Rest in Peace
Uncle Joe
Carolyn Hurdle Cannon says
April 18, 2025 at 5:53 pmI will always remember what this wonderful servant of God said to me after I joined Third Baptist. “I knew you were coming.” He knew before I did. Well done!!!
Ms. Michelle Hunt says
April 18, 2025 at 11:48 pmTo Pastor Joseph and the entire Fleming family. As a self proclaimed honorary member of 3rd Baptist Church of Portsmouth, VA via my first cousin Deaconess Mrs.Toni Lawrence and husband Decon George Lawrence. I would like to extend deepest heartfelt emotions on behalf of myself and the entire John Henry Hunt Family of Miami, FL, For the HomeGoing of Pastor Emeritus Joe B. Fleming. Our prayers for continuous peace and comfort are with you. Today and always.
Samuel Montgomery says
April 19, 2025 at 9:33 amTo the Third Baptist Church Family, Fleming Family, and Loved Ones of Pastor Fleming,
We extend our deepest condolences on the loss of Pastor Fleming—a true shepherd, servant, and spiritual father to many. His unwavering faith, powerful preaching, and compassionate heart touched the lives of people across generations.
Pastor Fleming’s guidance and godly wisdom reached far beyond the walls of Third Baptist Church. Even among those of us serving here in Japan and those from his beloved Portsmouth, Virginia, his influence was felt and cherished. His passing has left a profound void, but his legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire all who had the blessing of knowing him.
We mourn with you and honor the life of a remarkable man of God. He will truly be missed.
With heartfelt prayers and sympathy,
Rev. Dr. Robert l. Barnes says
April 19, 2025 at 7:29 pmTo Mrs Fleming and family I will forever be touch by the great memories of my dear friend, mentor and brother, the Rev, Dr. Joe B . Fleming , I have been richly blessed by his great preaching and teaching , but most of all his friendship and brother hood , His work in this city speaks for him, and the work of God is speaking to many who pass his way . To God be the glory
Rev. Dr. Robert l. Barnes says
April 19, 2025 at 7:34 pmTo Mrs Fleming and family I will forever be touch by the great memories of my dear friend, mentor and brother, the Rev, Dr. Joe B . Fleming , I have been richly blessed by his leadership but mostly his Godly influence on my life.
W C 'Gabbo' Galbreath says
April 20, 2025 at 6:20 amI offer my condolences to Rev, Dr. Joe Fleming’s extended Family and Friends at this time of great loss. May Peace be with you. I have fond memories working with Pastor Joe on Portsmouth community projects back in the early ’80s. I remember him often for his kindness and ability to represent God in all things. It is fitting that God has received his faithful servant in the Easter season. He will rest in Peace.
Sherita & James Parks says
April 21, 2025 at 2:56 pmTo the family or Dr. Fleming, may the Lord bring you comfort and and an abundance of His peace during your time of grief. I hear the Lord saying WELCOME HOME to one of His beloved and “Well done good and faithful servants” to all those who loved him and cared for him.
Sabrina Thompson says
April 21, 2025 at 3:36 pmRest in peace to a wonderful man. Praying for the family during this time. May your lives continue to be blessed with fond memories of each day spent with this Great man of God. Always remember that he lives in through each of you each day. All my love Sabrina Thompson
Jeff Barbour says
April 21, 2025 at 10:21 pmTo the Beloved Family of The Reverend
Dr. Joe B. Fleming: I had the honor of hearing
Dr. Fleming’s eulogy for a dear friend, mentor and Principal, Mrs. Ruth Kee, who was a member at Third Baptist Church at the time of her Homecoming in 1997. It was a special tribute for this first lady.
I’m sorry for your family’s loss of a man of God and pray for God’s peace and comfort as you face the days ahead. 🙏
Blessings.
Irma Gail Thomas says
April 22, 2025 at 12:34 pmMy Condolences to The Family!
I will always remember Pastor Joe B. Fleming’s time at Antioch Baptist Church, once my home church. He surely changed things not only in Susan, VA but in Mathews County. One of his visions was for all the “Black” churches to merge as one. No, that one did not pass go, but his unwavering concern for the entire county still held fast. He was pastor when my father, Robert E. Thomas (Ted), passed away in the tragic NC boat drowning with six other family/friends. Pastor Joe B and his wife Johnnie, stayed with my Great Grandma Winnie and Papa George Tonkins when in town. I will always remember your friendship with my family (Tonkins’, Thomas’, and later the White’s). As a fourth grader, Pastor Joe B. helped me get thru that tragic event. He went from the Pastor who always said pass me the collards at the Sunday afternoon dinners, to the Pastor and friend of my Dad’s who showed love and compassion for the people he served. I know this ‘Man of God’ will be missed by All! I am praying for your family’s strength, especially because you know him as husband and Dad!
RIP – Job Well Done!
Samuel Brown says
April 22, 2025 at 4:44 pmYou will be truly missed Pastor. You’ve made a huge impact on my life, and I’m sure many others as well. Now take your rest. I know GOD is saying, WELL DONE. ENTER IN. R I P
Reginald A. Early says
April 22, 2025 at 5:47 pmI recal when Pastor Fleming and his family arrived at Third Baptist 35 years ago. What an exciting time that was. We had a new pastor and the rest is history. Without a doubt Pastor Fleming made an impact in the city of Portsmouth. He was a profound change agent. Under his pastorate I received the call to preach.
He licensed me to preach and endorsed my matriculation to Morehouse School of Religion. He has made an impact on my life and ministry as well. A true servant of the Most High God. Rest in Power Pastor Fleming.
My prayers for God’s strength at his passing for his lovely wife, children, other family members and the TBC family.
Madeline B. Dawson says
April 22, 2025 at 7:02 pmIn deepest sympathy
Dr and Mrs Archie W Earl Sr says
April 22, 2025 at 10:19 pm(To: The Family of Rev. Dr. Joe B. Flemming) (From: Dr. & Mrs. Archie W. Earl, Sr.) We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one, Rev. Dr. Joe B. Flemming. He was indeed one of America’s great preachers. He preached our souls happy many times. He was truly blessed of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. I (Archie, Sr.) worked as a volunteer mathematics tutor, under the coordination of Mrs. Lena Williams, at his church, Third Baptist Church, 461 Godwin St., in Portsmouth, Va. May God continue to bless, strengthen, and comfort the entire family and Church, during this time of loss.
Ms. Sharifa McCall says
April 23, 2025 at 10:17 amYou shall now forever have peace. From the IC Norcom class of 1995 I will always cherish the message that you spoke at our baccalaureate service “Read the Book”.You touched so many and will forever be pleasantly remembered for your acts of kindness and a contagious laugh. My deepest sympathy and prayers are sent to the family, community, and TBC family.
Pat & Herman Weaver says
April 23, 2025 at 6:51 pmSo sorry to hear of the passing of Rev. Dr. Joe Fleming. I met Dr. Fleming as he would come in my son restaurant “Alice Mae’s all the time. He was a very kind, soft spoken gentleman who loved his Soul Food. Family may God give you the strength to get through this time of sorrow. To his wife and children, God will take care of you !
Rev Joyce Foster says
April 23, 2025 at 11:27 pmI’m praying for the family of Pastor Emeritus Joe Fleming. I will always remember the kindness that showed my husband, Rev. Sidney Foster Jr. and me. Pastor Fleming had no problem providing support for individuals not apart of “the in crowd” when he knew that others could benefit from what they could offer. May the Lord of Grace and Mercy uphold those who loved and cherished Pastor Emeritus Joe Fleming.
Evon Myrick says
April 24, 2025 at 8:01 amOur Condolences to the family From the Myrick family..
Stephanie Cartwright says
April 24, 2025 at 8:15 amOur deepest condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Dr. Joe B. Fleming. I grew up at Third Baptist and remember his kindness and love for everyone. Keeping the family in my thoughts and continued prayers during this most difficult time. Blessings and love!
Judy Anderson says
April 24, 2025 at 8:19 amIn peace, we remember Rev Dr. Joe Fleming as a champion and supporter of the Sickle Cell cause. Sending condolences to the Fleming family at this time. May you find the joy of God in days to come, for we know that after a dark night “joy comes in the morning”
Carolyn Tabb Thompson says
April 24, 2025 at 8:55 amPraying for the family’s
Sherae Harding-Griffin says
April 24, 2025 at 12:27 pmSending love and prayers to the Fleming and Third Baptist family. We honor the life and legacy Rev. Dr. Joe Billy Fleming, and all that he has meant to our family and beyond. Thank You Lord for Your servant, and the lives he touched.
Peace and Blessings, The Hunt Family
Phyllis Duke Crudup says
April 28, 2025 at 9:58 amI was so sorry to read today of the passing of my mother’s, grandmother’s, and great-grandmothers pastor’s passing., Rev. Joe B. Fleming. He was a great source of inspiration. Surely had I known before today, I would have been there with you to celebrate his life. May God bless all of you and continue to keep you in His care as you “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” My prayers are with you during this season of your life.
Doris A. Overton, Ed.D. says
April 28, 2025 at 10:10 pmMrs. Fleming, Pastor Joe and family. I offer sincere condolences to your family, friends, and loved ones across the country. I am grateful to have known Rev. Fleming. I will always remember his warmth and genuine personality. Thank you for sharing him with the world. He Rests in Power.
Doris A. Overton, Ed.D. says
April 28, 2025 at 10:11 pmMrs. Fleming, Pastor Joe and family. I offer sincere condolences to your family, friends, and loved ones across the country. I am grateful to have known Rev. Fleming. I will always remember his warmth and genuine personality. Thank you for sharing him with the world. He will Rest in Power.
Angela Fuller says
May 7, 2025 at 11:55 amSending love and prayers to the Fleming and Third Baptist Church family. Well done, good and faithful servant! God Bless, Angela Fuller, Christopher & Kendrick Perry
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