Mr. William Henry Flowers

William Henry Flowers, 75, was born on October 22, 1941 in Madison County, FL, to the late William Henry Jr. and Nonie Balloon Flowers. He was the ninth of ten children and was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings, four brothers: Rev. Frederick James, Joe Hill, Ager James and Vernell Melvin; two sisters: Willie Mae Wright and Eunice McKinney. William grew up in Pinetta, FL and was affectionately called “Chay” by his family. He accepted Jesus Christ at a young age, was baptized and joined Mt. Zion AME Church, Cherry Lake, FL. He later worked as a Trustee of the church.

He graduated from Madison County High School in 1958. He worked on the family farm and knew at an early age that he wanted to pursue a college education. William attended Florida Memorial University and graduated with a BS Degree in Elementary Education in 1962. After college, he started his professional career as a teacher at Greenville Training School in Greenville, FL where he met his future wife, Juanita. On June 12, 1965, he married Juanita Cheryl Washington and they started their life together in Lakeland, GA. To this union, their only child, Tonya, was born in 1968. William and Juanita were married for 51 years.

His career led him to work in several Georgia school districts including Lanier County where he coached the Girls Basketball Team for a number years and Lowndes County, GA. In 1967, the public schools transitioned from segregated to integrated. William and Juanita were both transferred from PG Williams Elementary and reassigned to Clyattville Elementary School. These were perilous times but they prevailed. After 32 years of service in public education, William ended his career in 1994 at Lowndes Middle School where he taught sixth grade Science.

In 2016, William spoke of a reoccurring dream where he would fly away and be with the Lord. On Saturday, February 25 around 6:25 am, the Lord called William home and he is now at rest.

William leaves behind many loved ones: a loving and devoted wife, Juanita W. Flowers of Valdosta, GA; one daughter: Tonya (Deon) Whitlock of Newnan, GA; one granddaughter: Faith Whitlock of Newnan, GA; three sisters: Dr. Gladys Alexander, Gainesville, FL; Bernice Flowers of Orlando, FL and Patricia Flowers of Miami, FL; three sisters-in-law: Gertrude (Willis) Reddick, Beatrice Lynn-Gray, and Carolyn Moore; a brother-in-law: Connie (Alberta) Washington; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The celebration of life for the late Mr. William Henry Flowers will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 1:00pm from the sanctuary of Mt. Zion AME Church located in Cherry Lake, FL.

Rev. Ralphael Campbell will officiate.

Interment will follow in Mt. Zion AME Church Cemetery.

Public viewing will be held Friday, March 3, from 10:00am - 8:00pm at Godfrey Funeral Home.