Mary Flowers of Odum and St. Simons Island, age 89, left this Earth to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at home on St. Simons Island under the loving care of her daughter, Sherena, and devoted caregiver, Joy Lynn.

Mary grew up in Screven, Georgia and graduated from Screven High School.  She earned two Master’s Degrees, one in 1975, and another in 1989.  She was strong and determined, yet loving and giving.  She relished being a mother and a wife. Mary was a hard worker, organized, detailed, and very conscientious. She was instrumental in the operation of the family farm with her late husband of sixty-eight years, John A. Flowers.  When she wasn’t working on the farm, Mary worked at Wayne Memorial Hospital where she retired as Human Resources Administrator with over twenty-three years of service.  During her tenure at Wayne Memorial, Mary shared the gift of education with many of her co-workers by encouraging them to take advantage of the scholarship programs available which resulted in the addition of numerous successful candidates for the positions of R.N., L.P.N., Radiologic Technologist, Respiratory Therapist, Laboratory Technologist and other credentialed health care employees.  She was a member of O’Quinn Baptist Church and a former member of Odum Baptist Church, however, most recently she had enjoyed attending evening services at The Church of Eleven 22, Jesup campus, as she was able.

Mary practiced her Christian faith in so many different ways including using her gift of hospitality. She enjoyed sharing the family’s island home with countless people over the years including honeymooners, ministers, and missionaries, or as a refuge for needy families, a shelter for the widowed and dying, and to others, simply as a place for rest and relaxation. She was a lover of animals who had cared for many cats and dogs throughout her life. She had a special place in her heart for strays and cast offs. When time allowed, Mary enjoyed planning trips with her beloved family and friends, traveling all over the United States, to Europe, and to far flung places like Morocco.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Leo and Verdie King, husband, John A. Flowers, son-in-law, Bryant Arrington; brothers, Harold O. King and wife, Jean, Basil King and wife, Betty, and  their son, Basil Lee, Ben King and wife, Betty, and their son, David, Levon King and wife, Gloria, and their son, Jonathan, Mary’s infant brother, Troy King; brother-in-law, Sumpter “Red” Flowers; sister-in-law Wanda Flowers, step-grandson, Greg Queen; step sisters-in-law, Francis Rigdon and Sharon Waldron Myers; step brothers-in-law, Douglas Crawford, Mickey Gignilliat, and David Waldron; and surrogate children Samuel “Sambo” Carr, Roger Carr, Ernest Carr, Myrtle “Duck” Carr Ingram, and Lottie Carr Strachan.

Survivors include daughter, Sherena Arrington, step-granddaughter Kristy and her husband, Clint Queen, and their son, Garrison; close cousin, Mary Lou Drury; brother-in-law, Rickey Flowers; sister-in-law, Judy Flowers; step-sister-in-law, LoAnn Waldron Lane; step sister-in-law, Margaret Crawford Gignilliat; and surrogate daughter, Sarah Louise Carr Savage. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive, one of whom she counted on as a son, Shawn Flowers, after the passing of her husband.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with Pastor P.J. Flores officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Burial will be held privately in the Odum City Cemetery at a later date.

The family extends much appreciation to caregivers Joy Lynn, Trudie Pittman, Karen Hanson, Pam Collins, Rose Carr, Sharina Carr, and Mary Lou Drury who have made Mary’s last four years a joyful time so she could remain in her home through her many health care challenges.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to O’Quinn Baptist Church, 175 O’Quinn Church Road, Screven, GA 31560, the Church of Eleven 22, 495 Hinson Mosley Road, Jesup, GA 31545 or the We Care Spay and Neuter Clinic, 357 W. Bay St., Jesup, GA 31545.

Anyone desirous of a lasting memorial of Mary who would be interested in giving one of her beloved feline companions a forever home should contact Sherena for more information.