Mary F. Flowers

Mary J. Flowers went to heaven on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, with her devoted son, Bobby, and loving husband, John, by her side.

Mary was born in Sumter, S.C., to Francis M. Johnson and Attie Snow McMillan on Sept. 27, 1932. She was the fourth of eight children.

Mary spent her life as a very giving person, helping people in need however she could. She loved the Lord and served him well by doing acts of kindness everywhere she went. She touched many people's lives in her community of Colonial Beach for the last 27 years. She also had the prettiest yard in Colonial Beach, full of flowers and something blooming any time of the year.

Mary will be rejoined with her youngest son, John Michael, who always held a special place in her heart, and her brothers and sisters who left this earth before her.

Left behind to miss her smile are her devoted husband of 26 years, John E. Flowers; her surviving eldest son, Robert H. Artis II and wife Missy; stepson Jack Flowers and wife Debbie; grandchildren Kasey and John III of Virginia Beach, John Carter of Manassas and Timothy of Williamsburg; and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Dale Johnson of Palm Springs, Calif., Donald Johnson and wife Anita of Sumter and Cliff Johnson of Stafford County.

A heartfelt thank-you to her loyal friend and caregiver of eight years, Sofia Parker of Colonial Beach.

A funeral will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Nash & Slaw Funeral Home, Colonial Beach, with the Rev. Scottie Jackson officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the start of the service. Interment will be held at 11:30 am Wednesday, Nov. 2, in National Memorial Park, Falls Church.