Daniel Flemons

The journey of life for Daniel L. Flemons began on July 8, 1928, near or around Prescott, Arkansas in Nevada County. He was the 4th child of five children born to Rev. Andrew and Carrie Banks Flemons, who was an African Methodist Episcopal pastor at Two Mile Branch in Hope, Arkansas. H is parents taught him to adhere to high morals as well as impeccable spiritual and educational values. By the age of 11 he had lost both parents. He was raised by his sisters and he often spoke of their struggles.

He accepted Christ at a tender age under the pastorate of his father. Daniel was an active and lively boy who loved to sing. He grew up to be a tall handsome and stylish young man. He attended Upchurch School in Prescott, where he played basketball, ran track and graduated Salutatorian of his class. A great influence in his education was Mrs. ILa Upchurch.  She assisted him in attending college at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he studied business administration and ran track. He later moved to Gary, Indiana and continued his education at Indiana University. On December 13, 1950, he enlisted into the United States Army; and after serving, he returned home to Gary, Indiana. He loved to sing gospel music and was the last surviving member of the quartet group known as the “Meltones”.  He united with Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church and was a faithful member.

Confiding in a co-worker that he was seeking a wife and soulmate, he was introduced to Sammie Lee, a beautiful mother of four.  They were married on May 9, 1959 and to this union five children were born. He loved all of his children the same and was a stalwart provider, giving his family the opportunity to enjoy the finer things that life offered. Having received his mandate from God, he answered the ministerial call in 1978.

Daniel worked at U. S. Steel Gary Works for over 30 years until his retirement and was a member of the US Steel Local Union 1014. The Flemons later moved to Prescott, Arkansas where he served as associate minister of Faith Temple COGIC. He wasn’t too satisfied with retirement and began working at Firestone where he once served as the Union President.  Always with a song in his heart, he joined the “Joyful Four” quartet group.

In his true pioneer fashion, crossed all boundaries of denominations and preached Jesus. He loved to worship and would stir a worship experience in both preaching and singing. He was a well-known revival evangelist. His first pastorate was at Bethel AME Church in Gurdon, Arkansas. He was later one of the founding members of Bethel Independent Church. He was a member of Munns Chapel Baptist Church and served as associate minister as well as in several other capacities. He also started the male chorus at Munns Chapel. In 2009, he was called to pastor Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ashdown, Arkansas. While pastoring Greater Mt. Zion, he served as president of the Ashdown Ministerial Alliance and the Interdenominational Area-Wide Fellowship and Ministerial Alliance. He was instrumental in bringing everyone together for one cause, and that was to preach Jesus. He retired yet again, and continued his service to Munns Chapel as an associate minister. As he aged, his health began to decline, but he never lost his hope, his joy and his praise.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2019, after 91 years of life, he passed at his home in Prescott, Arkansas. His independent spirit, iron will and strong character will never be duplicated, but leaves an impression on the lives of those he touched and enriched along this life’s journey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Andrew and Carrie Flemons; his wife of 55 years, Sammie Lee; four sisters, Caldonia Latin, Girteen Hopson, Ella Bell McCoy and ILa Marie Blake; two daughters, Audrey D. Flemons Clinton and Dannette Flemons Pearson.

He leaves a rich and strong legacy of ten children: Michael Flemons of Dallas, TX, Booker T. Faulkner of Oklahoma City, OK, Larry Faulkner of Prescott, AR, Richard Faulkner of Indianapolis, IN, Arnetha (Terry) Crittenden of Merrillville, IN, Bernadine (Rico) McGhee of Lexington, KY, Pamela Hopson of Prescott, AR, Aamil Muhammad of Indianapolis, IN, Ivan Flemons of Minneapolis, MN and an adopted son, Calvin Flemons of Indianapolis, IN; 36 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren; a special son-in-law, Billie Hopson; special friends, Emily Sumbry of Gary, IN and Sarah L. McDaniel “Mama Sarah” of Prescott, AR.

Public visitation will be Friday, August 9, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munns Chapel Baptist Church. The family will share memories and milestones from 6:00 p.m.  – 7:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Munns Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Kyle Jones, officiating and Rev. Arthur Hill, eulogist. Interment will be at DeAnn Cemetery in Prescott, Arkansas. The pallbearers will be his grandsons, respectively. Honorary pallbearers will be his sons, respectively, Billie Hopson, Dalton Jackson, and Danny Henagan.

Acknowledgment

With heartfelt honor, we celebrate the life and legacy of our dear Rev. Daniel L. Flemons who was a great man of God, and a well-regarded Bible preacher. He impacted the lives of many, and was a great shepherd to several church members over many years, as well as a loving father, and grandfather. We acknowledge with deep appreciation every act and expression of concern and kindness evidenced in thought and deed.  How blessed we were to have enjoyed this unique, great man of God; and how precious was the gift of his life to us.  Kindly keep us in your prayers as we take one day at a time. Special thanks to Deacon and Mrs. Hardy Deon, Opal Hall, Kelly May, Robert Hardiman, Gabriel Mills and Kendrick Hospice. 

The Family