Joan Maritza Flakes' Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?
