Joan Maritza Flakes

Joan was the only child born on July 9, 1934 to the union of the late Louis James and Senia Smith Mangrum in St. Louis, MO. She was raised by her late grandmother Maggie Corn Mangrum. Her late mother-in-law Sarah Croom Flakes became her loving surrogate mother. Joan departed this life on Friday, June 16, 2023. Joan professed Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age. She was a member of The Spirit Church until she departed this life. Joan attended St. Louis Public School where she graduated from Sumner Highschool in 1952. In her freshman year she met the man who would become her prince, the late William R. Flakes, Sr. They were united in Holy Matrimony on August 31, 1952. To that union, they were blessed with seven children. Joan was a stay-at-home wife and mother for the first twelve years of their marriage. Joan was dedicated to her children, attending all school functions, and assuring all homework assignments were completed. She allowed all seven children to return home for a hot lunch, because they did not want to eat in the cafeteria. She sewed beautiful dresses and summer short sets for her three daughters. She played in many hilarious family wiffle ball games. Joan was a committed and omnipresent mother. Joan began her career as a clerk with the United States Department of Agriculture which spanned for over twenty-five years. She was a devoted wife and doted on William until his death. She was a culinary artist, preparing elaborate meals and desserts. She was not only a mother to her seven children, but she also mothered others providing advice and guidance, never saying, “I told you so.” Joan was an excellent listener and great keeper of your secrets. She was always so full of joy, she loved reading her Bible, church activities and watching her daily television evangelists. Joan’s niece Lisa described her as sugar syrupy sweet. Throughout her illness she always wanted to know how you were doing and ending all conversations with “I love you.” Joan’s husband William R. Flakes, Sr. of 65 years, eldest daughter Carol A. Dunlap, brothers-in-law – John Henry, Jr. and James, Sr., sister-in-law Gwendolyn and granddaughter Hadassah “Lena” Lee preceded her in death. Joan leaves to cherish her memory: her children – William (Angelyn) Flakes, Jr. of Austell, GA; Vernon Flakes, Jon (Janis) Flakes, Monica (David) Wright) all of St. Louis, MO; Marsha (Henry) Pope of Huntsville, AL and Gerald Flakes of Mableton, GA; grandchildren – Sherry (Michael) Miller of Hiram, GA; William (Mary) Flakes, III of Jacksonville, FL; Dontay Barnes of Mableton, GA; Jasmine Flakes of St, Louis, MO; Tori Flakes of Roseville, MI; Carl (Sommer) Dunlap Jr. of Mableton, GA; Diane Flakes of Atlanta, GA; Jerrica Flakes of St. Louis, MO; Aaron Lee of San Antonio, TX; Henry Lee of Minot, ND; and Jezreel Lee of Huntsville, AL; great grandchildren – Jada Flakes of Jacksonville, FL, Xavier Flakes of Roseville, MI; Joshua and Madison Johnson and Harmonni Dunlap all of Mableton, GA; great great grandchild – Marriana Gomez of Jacksonville, FL; nephew – James (Danita) Flakes, Jr. of St. Louis, MO; nieces – Arviah Robinson and Lisa Falls of Houston, TX; great niece – Gemini Flakes of St. Louis, MO; great nephew – James Flakes, III of St. Louis Mo; a host of cousins, and family friends, whom she loved and were part of her extended family.

Tributes

Joan Maritza Flakes

July 9, 1934 - June 16, 2023