The family of Brandy Fleming announced on March 24 the launch of an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and support her young son after she was killed in a shooting in West Garfield Park earlier this month.
Fleming, 29, was found unresponsive on March 13 near an alley in the 200 block of North Kilbourn Avenue. Police said she had been shot once and was pronounced dead at the scene. The family’s GoFundMe campaign has raised about $2,000 toward a $7,000 goal as of Monday.
Shantel Jamison, Fleming’s aunt, described her as “a loving person with a goofy and bubbly personality.” Jamison said, “Brandy meant everything to me. Everybody loved Brandy. Brandy was an all-around loving person.”
Fleming worked for the U.S. Postal Service and lived near where she was found. Her family is focusing on caring for her five-year-old son following her death.
“Right now, he doesn’t know what’s going on, but eventually he’s going to ask questions. We as a family have to prepare ourselves to be able to explain to him what’s going on,” Jamison said. “It’s going to be harder on him when we make it to the funeral because he’ll be able to see his mom laying there. I think it’ll mean a lot for [him] to see his mother in a good state.”
Police say Fleming’s death remains under investigation with no updates available as of Monday.
On Fleming’s GoFundMe page, Jamison wrote: “Brandy was a loving mother, daughter and friend, and her absence has left a void that can never be filled. She was known for her warm smile, her kindness, and the way she always put her son first. Her loss has deeply affected everyone who knew her, and we are struggling to come to terms with this senseless tragedy.”
