Flemming is one of the first African American women to graduate from Furman University, where she earned her bachelors and master's degrees. Flemming is now one of the university's trustees, one of many leadership positions she holds.

Flemming has spent the past 38 years in education, a career that began as a classroom teacher at Southside High School. She is now an administrator with the Greenville County School District, overseeing its recruitment of new teachers.

In 1981, Flemming was first elected to office. She has won six consecutive terms since then, making Flemming the dean of African-Americans elected officials in this county. As such, Flemming is co-founder of the Conference of Black Municipal Elected Officials of South Carolina. In 1995, Flemming ran for mayor. While she did not win, her candidacy was groundbreaking, proving African American women can be viable candidates for the highest offices.

As a councilwoman, Flemming has been a strong advocate for rebuilding the poor neighborhoods that populate much of the city. A product of Southernside, Flemming has long fought for housing improvements in these neighborhoods. Her leadership is part of the reason Greenville has aggressively refurbished those neighborhoods, pouring in millions of dollars to replenish housing and attract new investment. WJMZ salutes Lillian Brock Flemming, a public servant who has made Black history in the Upstate.