Vernon Edward (Pokey) Fleming

Vernon E. Fleming, affectionally known as “Pokey” of Benton Harbor passed away peacefully at his home on May 13, 2023.

Pokey was born July 25, 1964, in Benton Harbor to Charles Pargo, Sr., and Irene McCoy. He attended Benton Harbor Area Schools. He went on to be a productive member of society. He was a loving and protective man. He loved working in retail because he loved to help people. Pokey was an immensely proud and private person. Anyone that knew him knows what a character he was. Always cracking jokes happy and smiling. He loved animals and sports. His favorite pastime was fishing. He would gather his gear and Twalla and they would fish for hours. He often said fishing gave him a calm about himself.

Pokey is survived by his wife Twalla Buford, his son Terrell Davis, grandsons Tru Davis, Tyson-Upton Davis, Terrell Davis, Jr., and Tyree Upton-Davis, sisters Karen Robinson (Machel Robinson), Renee Pargo, LaWanda Rivers (Eddie Rivers), and Angela Smith (Richard Smith), brothers David Williams (Shanell Williams) Charles Pargo, Jr., Chester Pargo, Corey Pargo (Julie Pargo), a special niece Terika Evans (Carlos Evans) and a host of nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

Pokey was preceded in death by his mother Irene McCoy, father Charles Pargo, Sr., and sisters Regina “Tammy” Fleming and Ramona Evans.