Mrs. Barbara Fleming Luehning, 84, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at her home in Onancock. Born July 10, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa, she was the only child of the late Roger and Jeanne Fleming.
Following high school, Barbara continued her education at Hofstra College in Hempstead, N.Y., where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then attained her postgraduate master’s degree in education from Columbia Teachers College in New York City and ultimately earned a doctorate of education (law) from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.
Throughout her life, Barbara’s career choices centered around her love for the arts and her passion for education. In 1961 she began working as an interior designer in Boston, and in 1964 moved to Bryan, Texas, to begin her journey in shaping young minds as a teacher at Anson Jones Junior High School.
In 1967 she transferred to Horseheads Middle School, Horseheads, N.Y. until 1970, when she accepted a position as head of the fine arts department at Moravian Academy, Bethlehem, Pa. After nearly a decade at Moravian, she returned to New York as assistant headmaster for Darrow School in New Lebanon.
In 1982 she relocated to the Delmarva peninsula, serving as principal at Seaford High School, Seaford, Del., and in 1984 she began working in the art department at Chincoteague High School, where she remained until retirement.
Though she didn’t have children of her own, Barbara was a foster parent for many years. Barbara was a very bright and intuitive person with a broad range of interests and accomplishments. Her devotion to teaching was palpable and extended to a wide variety of subjects within and outside of the visual arts in which she specialized.
Her philosophy, made succinct, was “You do not know what good is until you have experienced it,” and she took many groups to far cities and countries to see and examine the good stuff.
To honor her wishes, no public service will be held.
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
