Stuart King Short

Judith Stuart King Flowers Short of Chester was born on April 20, 1942 and transitioned to her new home on Thursday, April 18, 2024. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." 2nd Timothy: 7. 

Stuart wrote her own obituary: I was the eldest of three daughters and the first grandchild on both sides of my family. My parents were Harry Gordon and Judith Spinner King. Our family resided in Disputanta, Virginia where we were all members of Trinity United Methodist Church. We were fortunate to know all of our neighbors and were close to family as we grew up. I was predeceased by my dearest friend and husband, Dabney Eppes Short, Jr; my parents, my loving son David Scott Flowers, my stepson Dabney E. “Dee” Short, III and my niece Vicky Parr Pultz. Survivors include my sweet and precious daughter, the "best" person I ever knew, Jennifer Flowers Honn and her charming and lovable husband Steve; three delightful grandchildren: Damon Walsh Honn, Brooke McKensie Flowers and Andrew Stuart Honn; Dee’s wife Kim; step son Gregory B. Short and wife Arti; four step-grandchildren: Kayla Marie Short, Drew Everett Short, Cameron Kumar Short and Colin Vikram Short; the Krukiel family; my sisters Anne King Taylor (husband Jimmy) and Linda King Brown (husband Joseph S. "JB"); my niece Kimberly Taylor Harrison my nephews John Mark Taylor (wife Kristen), and Joseph Gordon "Chip" Brown (wife Amy); their children and grandchildren; my nephew Steven Cochran and many much loved cousins and dear friends.

I graduated from Prince George High School in 1960; attended Longwood University for two years; entered the workforce; married John A. Flowers; and continued my education at Richmond Professional Institute (now VCU) on a part-time basis and graduated in 1967 with a BS in business education. Along the way I worked at Fort Lee and Defense Supply Center Richmond and taught at Prince George High School. In 1973 I graduated from Virginia State University with an M.Ed. in business education. My children with John Flowers worked their way into our lives and hearts during those years. Looking at my employment history, one can see that about every 10 years I found it necessary to take on a new venture to keep me on my toes.

Jennifer and David were raised attending Ivey Memorial United Methodist Church which gave us a foundation of faith to hold us steady in times of stress and sorrow. Prayer became my companion in my daily life. I supported my children's activities in church, their schools, and Harrowgate Athletic Association. They were fortunate to be raised in a neighborhood that fostered outdoor play and neighbors helping neighbors take care of their children. I was not much of a joiner, but at one time was a member of a bowling team, Swift Creek Woman's Club and was a long-time member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Eagle Aerie 882. Since my days at Longwood, I have been an alumni member and have supported the Foundation of Phi Mu fraternity. Reading has always been my number one choice when asked if I had any hobbies. Books became my companions as I read biographies, many mysteries and novels on everyone's reading list. All other activities including yard work, sewing, needlework, puzzles and travel were supplemented by reading.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Ivey Memorial Methodist Church, 17120 US Route 1, South Chesterfield, VA 23834. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m at church. Mrs. Short requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the church memorial fund with a notation that they be used for upkeep of the sanctuary.