Imogene Gick Fleming

is honored with a Brick from Jean E. Wikle.

Imogene Gick Fleming grew up in Plainville, KS and is a graduate of Ft. Hays State University with a B.S. in Education. She was involved in band for four years, intermurals, sorority, Kappa Phi, Quill Club, drama, dancing, piano recitals and a queen candidate for various occasions. She was married to Dr. Richard Fleming until his death in 1976. She has two sons, Gick and Brent, and five grandchildren. She is presently the owner of Antiques and Unusuals by Imogene.

Ms. Fleming has been active in the Derby, Mulvane, and Wichita communities. She is a charter member of the Soroptimist International of Derby and was selected for the "Woman of Distinction" award for the 1996-97 club year. She has served on various committees and was instrumental in the club's donation of a piece of sculpture to the Derby library. She held the office of President during the 1988-89 club year.

Other organizations in which she has served as President are: Kappa Phi Alumni, Wichita Symphony Society, Wichita Musical Club, Hypatia Beta, Westemaires Square Dance Club, Sewing Club, Book Club, Helianthus, Garden Club, Wichita City Panhellenic, Mulvane Federated Women's Club, Wichita Civic Dance Theater, Twentieth Century Club, State Auxiliary for Kansas Osteopathic Medicine, South Central District for Kansas Federated Music Club, Fifth District Federated Women's Club, P.E.O., Project Beauty and Beta Sigma Phi. Ms. Fleming has been a member of the following: Assistance League of Wichita, D.A.R., Normandy Republican Women, Lands and People, Pinochle Club, Bridge Clubs, Wichita Art Museum, Center of the Arts, Wichita Historical Museum, Thursday Afternoon Musical Club, Lunch Bunch, A.A.U.W., Neighborhood Coffee Bunch, University Club for graduates, Cameo Club for Senior America Queens, and a member of several boards.

Ms. Fleming has been an active member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1951. Through her influence, both her daughters-in-law have become Beta Sigma Phis and "Queens" of their chapters. Ms. Fleming has held all offices and chairmanships in Ritual of Jewels and Preceptor Lambda. She has been "Valentine Queen," "Girl of the Year," and "Woman of the Year" in her chapter.

She helped organize the "Swingin Phi's," a chorus composed of members from different chapters and was their Director and Vice Chairman. In 1986, Ms. Fleming organized a thirty-five member mixed chorus called the "Funtastics" and is presently serving as that group's Musical Director.

Other involvements include being an American Red Cross and Riverside Hospital volunteer as well as membership with Woodlawn United Methodist Church. As a church member, she has taken on many responsibilities such as Choir Director, teaching Sunday School, organizer of prayer groups, and has served on various church boards. When the church was in need of pew cushions, Ms. Fleming very generously donated to that need. She not only donates many hours of her time, but is willing to give her financial support when needed.

Some of the honors that Ms. Fleming has received include the following: Wichita area "Woman of the Year" of Theta Sigma Phi Upsilon for the contributions she made throughout the state; "Outstanding National Woman" of Theta Sigma Phi Upsilon; Hypatia Beta "Sweetheart;" and the Alpha Gamma Delta "Diamond Arc Award."

In 1991-92 she won the title for Ms. Kansas Senior America. She competed in Atlantic City, New Jersey for the title of Ms. Senior America. She was a finalist and brought back three trophies. She was quite thrilled to be there and be one of the most beautiful women that walked down the runway.

Ms. Fleming enjoys her life to the fullest! She is happy, always smiling, caring, sharing, loving, and giving Christian concern. She has helped serve meals after funerals, invited elderly people to share Thanksgiving Dinners, given spiritual and musical programs, and has supported her family in many of their activities. She has participated in many activities and charitable fund drives with an optimistic and outgoing attitude for success.

I am happy to present my friend Imogene's accomplishments, and that is the reason I feel she deserves a brick in the Plaza of Heroines.

Submitted by Jean Wikle

July 28, 1998