Mattie Lee Flowers

Mattie Flowers, born November 3, 1945, in Gadsden, Alabama, to Jimmie Ayers and Amanda Ayers, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted educator. She was the sixth of eight sisters, a testament to a family rooted in togetherness, stewardship, and shared joy.

Education and partnership

Mattie attended and graduated from Bethune-Cookman University, where she earned a degree in sociology in1968. It was during her time at Bethune that she met her life partner, Ronald Flowers Sr. The two were married in 1966, joining in a partnership that would foster a lifetime of love, learning, and service.

A call to teach

From early on, Mattie realized her love for the education of minors. She began her teaching career in 1970, guided by patience, faith in her students, and a steadfast belief in the power of knowledge to transform lives. Over the course of 29 years, she taught at schools in Chicago and later in Washington, DC, leaving an imprint on generations of young learners and earning the respect and affection of colleagues, students, and families alike. She retired from teaching in 1999, having touched countless lives through dedication, discipline, and genuine care.

A life of giving and grace

Mattie’s greatest joys were found in sewing and tending to her flower gardens, crafts that mirrored the order, care, and beauty she cultivated in her daily life. Her life’s focus was love and order, and giving to others—especially to her son and grandsons—embodying a quiet strength and generosity that inspired all who knew her.

Survivors and memories

Mattie Flowers is survived by her husband (Ronald Flowers Sr), her son (Ronald Flowers Jr.) and daughter-in-law (Sharon Flowers), her two grandsons (Jason Flowers and Ryan Flowers), her sisters (Odell Ayers), (Georgia Henley), and (Doris Shack), and countless nieces and nephews, along with grand-nieces and grand-nephews, her devoted sisters-in-law (Cassandra Glenn, Callie Flowers, and Karlen Flowers) and brother-in-law (Alonzo “Verne” Shack).

Though the loss is profound, the memories of her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering devotion live on in the stories shared, the lessons learned, and the love that continues to bind family and friends.

A note on remembrance

In this season of remembrance, may we honor Mattie by carrying forward her example of compassion, service, and steadfast dedication to family and community. Her legacy—rooted in love for others, fostering learning, and tending to the needs of those she loved—will endure in the lives she touched.

Visitation will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 7720 Alaska Ave NW, Washington, DC 20012, US, on June 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location on June 17, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Link to watch services:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/154310283#success

Join Zoom by Dial-in number: 301-715-8592

Meeting ID: 154 310 283

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A Committal Service will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery , 3401 BLADENSBURG ROAD, Brentwood, MD 20722, on June 17, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:20 pm.