In profound sorrow we the Management & Staff of Turnbull's Funeral Home & Crematory Services announce the passing of Essalita Fleming, 93, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands who passed away Wednesday, April 01, 2026.

Ms. Essalita Leonard Fleming, affectionately known as "Esso," "Miss Essie," and "Auntie," was born on October 16, 1932, in Luck Hill, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, to John ("Johnny") Emmanuel Leonard and Elenora Vanterpool-Leonard. She was the fourth of eight children, all of whom predeceased her.

She lost her father at a young age when he died at sea in 1939. Her mother, a devoted homemaker and baker, became the family's provider, traveling to St. Thomas for work while Essalita and her siblings were cared for by relatives. She completed her education at the Cane Garden Bay Methodist School.

In the early 1950s, she moved to St. Thomas, where she lived with her aunt, Esther Charles, who helped nurture her lifelong love for cooking and baking. She began working as a domestic worker and later served for 33 years and 7 months at KnudHansen Memorial Hospital and the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital, primarily in the operating room. She was known for her dedication, pride in her work, and strong sense of duty, retiring on December 29, 1992.

In 1960, she married Nathaniel Fleming of Long Trench, Tortola, who predeceased her. Though she had no biological children, she lovingly cared for her stepchildren and became a second mother to many nieces, nephews, and others across generations..

Ms. Fleming was widely known for her culinary talents. For over 30 years, she participated in the St. Thomas Carnival Food Fair, where her traditional dishes became community favorites. In 2012, the Food Fair's 60th anniversary celebration was named in her honor, and she received the award for Best Pastry. She found joy in cooking and generously shared her food with family, friends, and the community.

She was a devoted member of Wesley Methodist Church in Anna's Retreat and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life.

In her later years, she was lovingly cared for by her nephew, Mario E. Leonard, and his wife, Lanalee, who ensured her comfort and well-being. She also received compassionate hospice care in her final days, for which the family is deeply grateful. She enjoyed social gatherings, time with loved ones, and especially traveling. Her journeys took her across the mainland United States, the Caribbean, and Europe, including visits to Alaska, Canada, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon. One of her most cherished experiences was her Pan-American Odyssey cruise and rail trip from Miami through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles, followed by a cross-country train journey with stops in Albuquerque, Chicago, and New Orleans before returning to Miami. Even after contracting COVID-19 during the trip, she remained resilient and continued on.

In October 2022, she celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by loved ones in a memorable celebration. She often said, "Give me my flowers while I'm living," and she truly received them.

Ms. Essalita Leonard Fleming will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, unwavering faith, and lasting contributions to her family and community.

She is Predeceased By Her parents, John ("Johnny") Emmanuel Leonard and ElenoraVanterpool-Leonard; siblings, Charles Turnbull, Christiana Dawson, Mario Leonard, Joseph "The Kid" Leonard, Mavis Crandall, Delphine Coakley, and Marion Jennings; nieces, Ivy Chinnery and Moiel Dawson; great-nephews, Elston Thomas, Kadeem Leonard, Dexter Thomas, and McChumba Donovan; and godson, Rudy Nisbett.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Elvin, Arnold, and Uriah Fleming, and Edris Fleming-Underwood; nephews, Mario E., Melvin, and Milton Leonard; Herby, Calbert, and Wilbert Coakley; Christian Malvin Dawson; Charles and Christopher Crandall; Justin and Sustin Robinson; Vincent, Raymond, Charles, Lionel, and Clayton Turnbull; nieces, Dr. Christine Dawson-Hodge; Pearlette and Juliet Dawson; Jacqueline Richardson; Berenice Webster; Monica Hodge; Renalda Molyneux; Rosetta Crandall; Lorrie Turnbull-Martin; Mariel Grimes; Carmen Thomas; Mariel Ritchie; Muriel Diaz; Monica Robinson-James; and Myrtle Turnbull; nephews-in-law, Wilbert Richardson; Alden Ritchie; Andrew James; Kerr Alexander Sr.; Liston Molyneaux; and Charles Martin; nieces-in-law, Lanalee Leonard; Renee Coakley; Bella Coakley; Laura, Valencia, and Leona Turnbull; Jackie Robinson; and Simone Crandall; great-nephews, Imani, Patrick, Jahmel, Kahmari, and MaleekLeonard; Nicholas Grimes; Sekou Donovan; Shawn Dawson; Kevon and Lon Richardson; Lucien Wall; Clifford Parris Jr.; Akhi and Kyle Parris; Ashawn, Hasani, Amory, and Chase Crandall; Neal Chesterfield; Maurice Maynard Jr.; Kerr Alexander; Kyle Diaz; Recaldo Webster; Eric St. John; Junior Connors; Tyre Salters; Jaheem, Jahshae, Jonathan, Christian, and Iye Coakley; Davaughn Hodge; and Attim and Travis Turnbull;great-nieces, Joy Penn; Kisha and Aisha Snipes; Nicole Grimes; Kamilah and Dr. Kandysee Leonard; Bianca Nicholas; Tiffani Buchanan; Vanessa Hillaire; Kimberly Carey; Altisha Crandall; Jodi, Jonese, and Jada Samuel; Ebony Maynard; Justina Robinson; Cherlyn Serrano; Karisma Alexander; ShecaraForbes; Reshana Fannis; Sha'Nya Hughes; Maria Sanchez; Jahkyda, JahHaile, Eartha, Jahkeesha, Jahquana, Jahmeka, Khadijah, and Kennedy Coakley; Anisa Tinka; JoycelynCoakley-Mathurin; and Te'Keyah, Renea, and Chevon Turnbull;

special cousins, Henry and Lacey Ashtian and family; Albian St. John and family; Priscilla Stridiron; Ethlyn "Landa" Simmons; and Warren Foy;

godchildren, Christian Malvin Dawson; Mariel Ritchie; Eric Fleming; Densill Greaves; Tammy Issac; Melvin Venzen; Withfield Hodge; Edwin Matthias; Everad Brewley; EthlynBrewley; Jacqueline Francis; Carlene Ritter-Thomas; BelsadysSkelton; Jacklin Rogers; Rosalie Smith-Randolph; Cynthia Jones; and others;

and a wide circle of special friends.