Introduction to the Dearman Family
Family Legacy: The company’s legacy has been passed on to Mrs. Flemming’s grandchildren, Kelly and Tracy Dearman, who are committed to making sure to continue the company’s values of customer service, honesty and integrity. They purchased the majority of HSM shares from their grandmother in 1998. Growing up, their parents, Ina and John Dearman, played a pivitol role in not only their lives, but as appointed and volunteer civil servants of San Francisco.
Ina Dearman: Ina is the daughter of HSM’s founder, Bertha Flemming. She served on a host of San Francisco organization boards including the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board. She was accepted at the University of California Berkeley at the age of 16 and went on to receive a master’s degree in social work.
John Dearman: The Hon. John Dearman was appointed to the Municipal Court of San Francisco by Former Governor Jerry Brown on March 28, 1977. He was then elevated to the Superior Court in February 1979. Before serving as Superior Court Judge, he met Assembly Speaker and future Mayor, Willie Brown. Together, they formed Brown, Dearman and Smith in 1965. Mr. Dearman practiced there for the next twelve years, handling the representation of protesters during the civil rights movement. One of his greatest victories was a protest that ultimately led to the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Mr. Dearman retired from the bench in 2009 as the longest-serving judge in the history of San Francisco.
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In 2023, John and Ina Dearman celebrated 64 years of marriage.
Kelly Dearman: Like her parents before her, Kelly is an important member of the public service sector. As Executive Director of the Department of Disability and Aging Services, Kelly coordinates services to veterans, older adults, adults with disabilities, and their families to maximize health, safety, and independence so that they can remain active in their community for as long as possible and maintain the highest quality of life.
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Kelly has more than 15 years of experience developing policies and services to help ensure San Franciscans thrive as they age. Before joining DAS, Kelly was Executive Director of the San Francisco In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority, which helps older adults and people with disabilities live independently and participate in their communities. She is also the former President of the San Francisco Human Services Commission. Kelly currently serves as the President of the California Association of Public Authorities, a member on the San Francisco Long Term Care Coordinating Council, and co-chair of the San Francisco Aging and Disability Task Force.
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Kelly has a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, a JD from UC Hastings Law, and an MA in Political Science from Rutgers University. For ten years, she ran a small law practice specializing in elder issues and probate law. Previously, Kelly and her sister operated a real estate company founded by their grandmother more than 50 years ago.