HAWKINS, TX — From the classroom to the community, Tessie Smallwood Fleming has spent her life lifting others through education, creativity, and heartfelt service. A proud alumna of Jarvis Christian University, Tessie’s journey from a determined teenager in Greenville, Texas, to a beloved educator and successful entrepreneur is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Tessie’s connection to Jarvis Christian University began at just 15 years old when she enrolled in the ASEP Summer Program in 1977. Her early exposure to college life, made possible with the support of her mother, Annie Smallwood, set the stage for a lifelong bond with the university. By the end of that summer, Tessie had embraced the full experience of being a Jarvis Bulldog, launching a path marked by leadership and academic excellence.
As a student at Jarvis, Tessie quickly became an active participant in campus life. She pledged Alpha Angel in Fall 1977 and later became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in Fall 1978. Her school spirit was also on display as a member of Jarvis’s inaugural cheerleading squad, “8 is Enuff.” In 1981, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in Biology, earning a Lifetime Teaching Certificate that would serve as the foundation for her impactful teaching career.
Tessie continued her education at East Texas State University, where she received a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Reading. She went on to devote 34 years to public education, beginning and ending her career with Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD). Her dedication to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning earned her the respect of students, colleagues, and administrators alike. Through her classroom, Tessie left a legacy of academic excellence and compassion that continues to echo today.
Upon retiring from teaching in 2014, Tessie embraced her creative talents and entrepreneurial spirit. In 2018, she founded Aunt Tessie’s Yard Art, a business born from her desire to help people celebrate life’s special moments in meaningful and memorable ways. From birthdays and baby showers to weddings and memorial tributes, Tessie’s personalized yard displays have brought joy and comfort to countless families. Her vibrant and thoughtful decorations are not just art—they are reflections of her care and her ability to connect with others through heartfelt gestures.
Outside of her professional life, Tessie enjoys a rich and active personal life. She has been happily married to Charles Edward Fleming for 23 years, and her family remains central to her life. A regular participant in the Keist Park Senior Program, she finds joy in line dancing, pickleball, and walking. She also loves cooking in “Aunt T’s” kitchen, traveling with her dear friend Sunja Anderson, and spending cherished time with her brother, Rickey Whytus.
Tessie Smallwood Fleming embodies the spirit of Jarvis Christian University—leadership, service, and lifelong learning. From educator to entrepreneur, her journey is one of perseverance, creativity, and love for community. Whether in a classroom or a backyard celebration, Tessie continues to inspire and uplift all those around her. Jarvis Christian University proudly celebrates her contributions and the meaningful legacy she continues to build.
