Ava Taylor Flowers

Sister Ava T. Flowers, a devoted mother, steadfast caregiver, and pillar of strength in her community, transitioned peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the age of 78. Surrounded by family and close friends, she departed this world with the same quiet grace and unwavering spirit that defined her life. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ava graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in the spring of 1965. Later that year, on November 19, 1965, she married Miller Eugene Blackwell, and the two began a new chapter together in Seattle, Washington. Eventually returning home to New Orleans, Ava worked in a local shrimp packing facility and later at Goodwill Industries as a clothing repairer. Her career found its true home at Ochsner Foundation Hospital, where she applied for a position as a Surgical Supply Technician. During her interview, the hiring manager said to her, "I don't hire young women because they have high absenteeism. They get married, have babies, then are out all the time because of their families. Don't count on this job." Ava not only earned the job-she redefined expectations. She retired after 34 years of faithful and dedicated service, earning the respect of peers and the gratitude of patients throughout the region. On August 28, 1971, Ava gave birth to her son, Shawn, with Charles Bates. She raised him with love, discipline, and devotion, building a life grounded in faith, family, and purpose. On April 24, 1992, Ava was blessed to find love again and married Mr. Johnie Flowers. Their union was a source of strength and companionship, built on mutual respect and deep affection. A woman of deep faith, Ava was a longtime member of Greater Mount Rose Baptist Church before continuing her Christian Walk at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church on May 25, 1993, where she worshipped, served, and grew in her walk with the Lord. She was an active and passionate member of the Senior Soldiers Ministry and the Church Prison Ministry, through which she uplifted and encouraged others with humility, strength, and compassion. Ava's impact extended beyond her home and workplace. She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of The Friendly Ladies and Gents Social and Pleasure Club-two organizations that reflected her love for community, celebration, and connection. Her legacy is woven into the lives she touched through service, generosity, and quiet acts of kindness. She will be remembered for her fierce independence, quick wit, and warm heart. Ava's presence was comforting, her words wise, and her love enduring. She lived a life marked by quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering devotion. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnie Flowers; her parents, Ora and Clarence Taylor; her maternal grandparents, Winnie and Washington Hill; a sister, Edna Berkley; a brother-in-law, Alexander Berkley, Jr.; and a beloved cousin, Jesse Mae. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving son, Shawn Blackwell; her devoted daughter-in-law, Pamela Blackwell; her "pumpkin," granddaughter Anika Blackwell; step-daughter, Ladette Bates-Collins; niece, Norma Berkley-Brown; nephews, Alexander and John Berkley; great-nephew, Edwin Berkley; Shawn's best friend, her second-son, James Carroll; her second-daughter, Rondy A. Whitfield, dear friends, Sarah and Rene Darby; Corliss Gaines; and a host of extended relatives, friends, and community members who were blessed by her life. Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Saturday, March 29, 2025, for 10:00 a.m. at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, 8282 I-10 Service Road South, New Orleans, LA 70126. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Fred Luter, Jr, officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Park Cemetery, Avondale, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the following: Franklin Avenue Baptist Church: https://www.franklinabc.com/membership-services/online-giving. Alzheimer's Disease Research:https://donate.BrightFocus.org/adr/donate?tribute=true&promo_name=teaser&amount=250. "Well done, good and faithful servant " Matthew 25:23. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600. Linear Brooks Boyd and Donavin D. Boyd Owners/Funeral Directors.