Magnolia Flowers

M agnolia Flowers, 9 1 , passed away from this world on January 10 , 202 3 . Magnolia was preceded in death by h er parents, Elijah and Hattie Hood , and husband McKinley Flowers, Jr. She is survived by h er loving children: Cheryl Flowers (Alcoa TN), Ronnie (Annette) Flowers (Maryville TN), Harold Flowers (Alcoa TN), and Brenda (Lee) Sanders of Atlanta GA; grandchildren: Rhonisha (Uyi) Iyoha ( Middleton DE ), Renard (Emma) Flowers (Durham NC), Ralph Fryer (Geneva NY), J azmine (Gerard) LaBeaud (Jonesboro GA), Harold Flowers, Jr. (Ft. Lauderdale FL), Hasan Flowers (Green Acres FL), Kris (Dekena) Sanders (Fayetteville GA), Monique Sanders (Atlanta GA),  Amaris Wilson ( Cedar Hill TX ), Austin Sanders (Atlanta GA), and several great-grandchildren. Magnolia also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and notable friends.

Magnolia grew up in the church and played the piano at Rest Haven Missionary Baptist Church and several other churches in the Hall community. She attended Charles M. Hall High School and graduated in 1949. She obtained her degree in elementary education from Knoxville College in Tennessee. She taught as a second-grade teacher for three years at Charles M. Hall School. In 1956 she married the love of her life McKinley Flowers, Jr. F rom this union came four children. In 1959, the Flowers family moved to Coatesville PA, and later in 1974, to Geneva NY. She transitioned from her role as a full-time homemaker; returning back to education as the Home-School Liaison in the Geneva City School system. Magnolia noted that parents appreciated having an advocate at school, and she tried to make face-to-face contact with people as much as possible; using the telephone to reach them during off hours. Her advice was “be a part of your child’s life at school. Go to parent conferences. Be your child’s advocate. Love and caring is what is most important, and your child will feel good about seeing you at school.

She also served as a faithful member and church pianist of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and several community focused committees. Magnolia served as a Boar d of Director s member for Center of Concern, helping needy families in Geneva, NY.

Prior to returning to East Tennessee, Mr. and Mrs . Flowers received awards from the Mayor of Geneva, the Human Rights Commission, and several other local groups for their committed work in the community.

In 2003, McKinley and Magnolia moved back to their hometown, Alcoa TN and became active members of Rest Haven and Bethel Missionary Baptist Churches.  At age 9 1 , M agnolia was still on course with her active “phone ministry”. She reached out and touched man y people through her inspiring conversation.

Magnolia had a distinct voice and an unselfish willingness to share h er knowledge with others. Sh e was a teacher, a mentor, and a committed community activist, who generously lent h er influence to open doors of opportunity for young wo men in the community. H er humor, diplomacy, and welcoming (but straightforward) kindness will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved h er .

An eternal thank-you for kindness shown by staff of Blount Memorial Hospital, and members of various churches and community groups.

Family will receive friends from noon - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday January 14, 2023 at Rest Haven Missionary Baptist Church with funeral service to follow. www.foothillsfh.com