Gay Fleming Obituary

Gay Lynn (Stanford) Watkins-Fleming passed away suddenly on the morning of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and quiet strength. She was 62 years old.
Born on August 20, 1962, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lynn made her home in several cities throughout her life, including Houston, Texas-where she spent most of her years-as well as Denver, Colorado, and Austin, Texas. Wherever she lived, she brought warmth, curiosity, and a great sense of humor. She loved to laugh, and she brought laughter to those around her.
Lynn was a self-made professional and lifelong learner. Through determination and self-teaching, she built a successful career in information technology as a project manager-rising through the ranks by her own grit and intelligence. She was a creative soul who loved crafting and taking on new projects. Her mind was always exploring something new, and her hands were always busy making something beautiful.
Family was at the heart of Lynn's life. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Jay Byron Fleming, with whom she shared 34 years of marriage. She was a proud and supportive mother to her only daughter, Casey Nicole Watkins. She lovingly cared for Jay's parents in their later years, exemplifying her quiet strength and compassion.
She endured profound loss in her life, including the death of her first husband, James "Chuck" Milam Watkins, III, more than 38 years ago. Yet through every hardship, Lynn remained resilient and full of grace. She sought healing through faith, which gave her peace and hope. Though her passing came far too soon, in the midst of so many plans and dreams, she was not afraid of her time. Her courage, spirit, humor, and kindness will continue to guide and inspire those who love her.
Lynn is survived by her loving husband, Jay Fleming; her daughter, Casey Watkins; and her mother, Judy Stanford. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Stanford, and her first husband, "Chuck" Watkins.
Her life will be honored at a memorial service on Monday, July 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home, 9926 Jones Rd, Houston, TX 77065. A remote viewing option will also be available for those joining from afar.
"I hope you remember me not in the sorrow of my leaving, but in the light I tried to leave behind." - David Harkins To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gay Lynn, please visit our floral store.