Michael Jeffery Flemming, 59, transitioned Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at Magnum Care Nursing facility in Saginaw, Michigan, after a long battle with coronary disease.

Michael was born on October 20, 1956, in Newburgh, New York, the son of George and Sarah Louise (Donaldson) Flemming. He graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1974. In his early years, he met and married his wife (divorced) and mother of his children, Sharion Devane Barrett.

Michael is preceded in death by his mother and father; 2 brothers, George Flemming, Jr. and Mark Louis Flemming; and 2 grandchildren, Joshua Isaiah Woods and Genesis Niala Woods.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Akilan ‘Ke-ki’ Woods – Virginia; loving sons, Michael Jeffery (Ariel) Flemming, Jr. – North Carolina, and Jonathan Flemming – New York; his caring siblings Gregory (Louise) Flemming - Georgia, Cheryl Flemming – Jackson (Shelby) Wilson – California, Rose Flemming Nyako - Illinois, and Deidra Flemming (Thomas) McGill – South Carolina; two grandchildren Niema Flemming and Cameron Flemming; nieces and nephews Tina Johnson, Golivia Torelli, Gregory Flemming, Steve Jackson, Dwayne Flemming, Tsumasi Kofi Nyako; Gianna Torelli, Gilda Torelli, Giovanni Torelli, Giulio Flemming, Giuseppe Flemming, and Giatti Flemming; a hosts of great and great-great nieces and nephews; cousins, other relatives and close friends and those who feel a close relationship to our beloved father, brother, uncle, and cousin.

In 1975, he joined the Army and served honorably, after which he joined the Army Reserves. After serving in the military, Michael became a salesman, warehouseman, and a security guard. His true passion was for music. He was a truly accomplished pianist. He performed many works by Bach, Beethoven, and many other great artists. He truly loved to play musical renditions, especially, ‘Drummer Boy’ and was excited about the challenges involved in playing ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. It was a pleasure to learn from the staff at Magnum Care, that he entertained the staff and other residents with his musical renditions on their in-house piano. He also entertained his children, family and friends by playing music with ‘spoons’, verbal sounds, and finger popping. In addition to this, he enjoyed playing chess with his friends and brothers.

The viewing begins at 10:00am prior to the funeral service on May 28, 2016, at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church – Newburgh, New York. The burial will be at Cedar Hills Cemetery – Newburgh, New York.

~ Courtesy of Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, Saginaw, Michigan