Wylia Jo Flatt

Wylia Jo Allmon Flatt July 22, 1936-December 9, 2025 Wylia Jo was born in Newbern, Tennessee to Mitchell and Leona Allmon. She grew up in the home her Daddy built across the street from the school she attended through High school, which is the same school where she later taught many lucky children in Kindergarten. Also across the street stands the home where she lived for 40 years and where she died in her sleep the evening of December 9th. I'm her elder daughter, Gina, and have always loved the fact that she spent most of her life on that sweet, rounded York Street corner! Wylia was married to James L Flatt for 67 years, who died a little over 4 months before my mom. My sister Jana and I were so lucky to have her for a mother. She was my best friend, confidant, anchor, and the center of my universe. She possessed a wicked sense of humor, an incredible memory, and wisdom that I wish I'd appreciated as a teenager!

Ever the supportive and devoted wife, she followed my Dad in his pursuit of higher education, which took them to Spartanburg, SC and Athens, GA, before he accepted a position at Blue Mountain College in Mississippi, which were magical years for all of us. Mother finished her degree in elementary education and home economics, worked in administration, immersed herself in campus culture and even became a 'Dorm Mother'. She helped organize all sorts of fun activities like banana split eating contests, picnics at sand pits, and formal dinners. She quickly adopted students who were far from their home. Our home became a hub for exotic meals prepared with students from around the world; as well as spaghetti and chili nights. Mother also helped write a cookbook....and all those recipes needed to be tested! Some former BMC students are still cherished friends many years later.

When my Dad accepted a position at Dyersburg State, we moved back to Newbern and Mother began teaching kindergarten. She loved her job! I remember her following me around the house reading children's books and asking if I thought kids would like them. She made their first year at school fun by showing them how to make butter and so many different craft projects. She was a gifted teacher...kids didn't realize how much they were actually learning while having fun.

Luckily once I moved to Alaska, she also fell in love with it's wonders and people. For many years she visited often. She quickly became 'Mother' to all of my friends. We shared many grand adventures together from river rafting to dog mushing. Much to the delight of my friends, she and Jana made a habit of coming up for Thanksgiving. Everyone was invited and everyone came. We normally hosted 100 or more people flowing in and out from morning until bedtime. Her homemade cinnamon rolls are legendary and available for breakfast, followed by a full turkey dinner and desserts in the evening. She loved to cook and was masterful. That's a passion she passed to me and I will forever cherish our habit of even cooking together via FaceTime. Like me, she had a great love of animals. Over the years she came up to help raise baby sea otters, brush musk oxen (known for their incredible wool), and care for SO many birds! I was lucky enough to work with a great horned owl named Gus, who also lived on my property. We did educational programs around the state and Mother, ever the educator, went with me a few times and of course always had suggestions of ways to improve the program.

Unfortunately, her body didn't share her spirit. After years of back surgeries, knees and hips replaced, she possessed a lot of hardware in her tiny body. She carried on as best she could for as long as she could. Despite her pain, she was still a force to be reckoned with, still quick with her wit, advice, kind words, an even kinder heart and indomitable spirit. She and Jana tirelessly cared for my dad. Jana took great care of them both. I was lucky enough to spend almost 4 months this past summer/fall soaking up her love. During that time I rescued a dog that she named Carl, (who loved her best, but came back to Alaska with me) and a Barred Owl that she helped me care for until he went into rehab at the Memphis Zoo.

Wylia Jo was preceded in death by too many dear relatives and friends to list, but most importantly the recent death of her husband, James L Flatt, her incredible parents Mitchell and Leona Allmon, sisters Johnnie Johnson and Gail Coots. She is survived by daughters Gina Hollomon and Jana Flatt, her very special niece, driver, and spirit lifter, Kim Permenter, nephews Martin and Jay Johnson, niece Tina Guess. Also her very loved brother in laws, Bill Flatt, Ted Johnson and Tony Coots. I would be remiss to not mention her beloved dog, Sasha as well as grand dogs Henri, BeeBop, Mitchell, and Carl (she always included them in her daily FaceTime chats.)

Suggested memorial donations: Blue Mountain Christian University's new Science building project. (201 W Main Street, Blue Mountain, MS 38610)

Online condolences made be made to the family of Wylia Jo Allmon Flatt at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Wylia Jo Allmon Flatt.