Easrean 'Essie' (Sutton) Flowers

Easrean Flowers, age 76, died peacefully on July 21, 2015, from complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. “Essie” was born August 1, 1938 in Holly Grove, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Curtis Lee Sutton and the late Oprean Curry. She and her siblings were raised by their Aunt and Uncle, the late Pearl Ella Williams and the late Johnny Williams also of Holly Grove, Arkansas. Essie was a devoted wife, mother and her grandchildren were the love of her life. She made sure every event for her family and friends was special and memorable – whether it be decorating our home for holidays and bringing out the special place settings, or bringing home party hats and favors from work so her children and later grandchildren could ring in the New Year with “style,” or her famous themed cakes and pies for birthdays – she never missed a beat. Essie and Al were regulars at family reunions and rarely missed the annual Holly Grove 4th of July Homecoming festivities. Essie was a huge OSU Buckeye fan and enjoyed a friendly rivalry with her sister from “That State Up North.” Essie graduated from Holly Grove Vocational School, married the love of her life, Allease Flowers on July 11, 1958 and moved to Columbus, Ohio. Essie worked in food service her entire career. She worked in a number of iconic Central Ohio restaurants including Pizzuti’s, Jack Bowman’s Suburban Steakhouse, The Clock Restaurant, Jimmy’s Place Upstairs, and Engine House No. 5 until she retired in 1994 to take care of her grandchildren full-time. Essie was a long time member of Mt. Vernon AME Church. She was a member of the Wayman Guild Club where she served as President and Secretary, the Rainbow Club and the 4th Stewardess Board. Essie was instrumental in starting the Wayman Guild Palm Sunday Salad Bar, which has raised scholarship money for the church’s college bound members and their families. Essie was preceded in death by her brother Weston Williams, Jr. (Little Rock, Arkansas) and 7 other siblings. Essie is survived by her husband of 57 years, Allease Flowers, her daughters Beatrice Flowers and Janice M. Flowers, Esq. all of Columbus, Ohio; sisters Jessie B (Leroy) Smith of Detroit, Michigan and Maxine (Howard) Little of Brentwood California; brother-in-law Walathal (L.Ophelia) Weems of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren Jordan Flowers and Justin Akindele; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.