Mary "Watty" Watson Flora Pinson

Mary Watson McAlister Flora Pinson – 85 passed triumphantly and peacefully on June 15th at Well Spring Retirement Community where she had lived for 23 years. Watty approached death with the same grace, wit, and wisdom with which she lived her life.

Her life was defined by her love and commitment to family and her capacity to welcome a rich diversity of persons into her family, far too numerous to list. Throughout her 45 years of marriage to Joe Flora, she was his “first lady.” Together, they followed Joe’s calling to minister through his seminary, to a small church in Laurinburg, and to her home church First Presbyterian; where she enjoyed many years in the church choir, working in the kindergarten, and challenging the congregation with thought provoking bulletin boards. Finally, they ministered at Presbyterian House at UNCG where they nourished relationships which lead to the formation of Greensboro Music Academy (MANC). The music gatherings at their home on Lake Jeanette Rd are fondly remembered.

Throughout her life, Watty had a great love of her family’s cottage at Piedmont Springs and all things in nature. There, she taught the names of each wildflower, bird, and butterfly encountered by her boys and tolerated reptiles they brought home. In 1993 Watty & Joe moved to Well Spring where Joe died in 1998. Watty started a new chapter in her life when Marvin Pinson had the good fortune to capture her heart and fire her spirit. They married in 2001 and she claimed the Pinson family as part of her own. Watty traveled many countries with both husbands finding England and Scotland to be her favorites.

She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Marvin Pinson; by her children: Stewart Flora (Cindy), Alex Flora, Lacy Flora (Betsy), and borrowed son Harold Roland; extended family: David Pinson (Bibby), Fred Pinson, Susan Pyron, Ann Hurd, Beth Vawter and their families; sisterinlaw, Cornelia Dickerson McAlister, grandchildren: Elizabeth McBroom (Kevin), Emily Bostic (Jason), Kelly Young (Jeremy); and great grandchildren: Thomas McBroom & pending sister Mary Watson McBroom as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents Mr. and Mrs. John Worth McAlister; first husband Joseph Wilson Flora; infant daughter Mary Watson Flora, and her older siblings: John McAlister Jr., Peggy Sealy, Sally McAlister, Vaughn McAlister and dear family friend Ivan Battle.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the caring staff at Well Spring, to her sitters’ whose gentle care was so appreciated, and to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro.

A celebration of her life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 617 N Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401, Sunday July 3rd at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Benevolent Fund or Music Fund of Well Spring, 4100 Well Spring Dr., Greensboro, N.C. or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayneslinberryfuneralhomes.com