Deborah L. Flowers was born July 21, 1949 to the late Marka and Antonia Flowers. Growing up she attended Antioch Baptist Church with her mother under the leadership of Pastor Henderson. In later yeas Deborah attended Grace Christian Fellowship. As a child Deborah spent a lot of time in Aultman, Ohio running through her grandfathers garden. She would later appreciate a garden for m0re than a great place for hide-n-seek. That time spent around her grandfathers garden would later develop into her love for gardening. Deborah attended McKinley Sr. High School where she showed her Bulldog pride by marching in the band, being a member of the Arts & Rotary Club. After high school Deborah was accepted into Howard University and her education span many years at various Universities and Colleges. She studied many different disciplines that gave her insight on many subjects. However it was from her earlier years in Aultman that she developed a love of horticulture and was an active member of a gardening club. This passion for gardening set her on a quest to develop a hybrid flower to honor her mother, who grew prize winning roses. Deborah and her sister Mary Ann were inseparable. The two spent most of their time together, whether it was at university gatherings or their annual vacation to Las Vegas, you NEVER saw one without the other. Although Deborah was never married nor had any children she became a mother-like figure to Chante and Les Thompson as well as Jason Barbosa. She loved spending time at family gatherings, watching her young cousins grow up. She would recall funny stories about the trio with great pride. Deborah had an outgoing personality and never met a stranger. Her love of conversation and social interaction helped her to develop many friendships. Preceded in death by her parents; her only sister, Dr. Mary Ann Flowers; (5) uncles, and (7) aunts. She leaves to cherish her memory her aunts: Cynthia Barbosa of Milwaukee, WI, Freddie Barbosa of Oakland, CA, Dorothy Barbosa of Fort Washington, MD; uncle, Leroy Thompson of Canton, Ohio; cousin, Eloise Donald and family; “The Trio”- Chante, Leslie Troy and Jason, as well as a host of cousin, friends and her Aultman family.  

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