In Memory of Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a phenomenal woman of God, dedicated early childhood educator, and beloved role model, Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes. Sadly, Mrs. Flakes departed to her eternal reward on Saturday, February 5, 2022. A homegoing service celebrating the life of this exceptional woman was held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church located at 5230 Lee Road 235 in Phenix City, Alabama.
Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes was born in Phenix City, Alabama in 1935. After graduating from South Girard High School, she went on to study Early Childhood Education at Morris Brown College and Columbus State University. She also attended American Baptist Theology College at the Friendship Baptist Church campus in Columbus, Georgia.
Mrs. Flakes was a loving mother to her children and was a supportive wife to her late husband, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, Jr. She was the compassionate first lady to his congregations at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia and Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama. Together they used their deep and abiding faith in the Lord to make a tremendous impact on their community, state, and nation. Their son, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, III now pastors Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church and, in addition, previously pastored Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church as did his father before him.
Mrs. Flakes was also the Founding Director of the Fourth Street Daycare Center (now the Robena Gaines Flakes Daycare) which was established in 1993. During her tenure as Director, the center expanded its roster from 56 children to over 150 children. She also expanded the facility as well as its programs and services to include an after- school program for elementary school students. It was also the first daycare to receive the ``Center of Distinction Award'' from the state of Georgia. She served in this capacity for 12 years until she retired as Director in 2005 and went on to serve as a Consultant.
Mrs. Flakes received several accolades and awards for her work with the youth. These awards include the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Award from the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Gracious Ladies of Georgia Award. She also served as President of The East Alabama Women's Association.
Mrs. Flakes accomplished many things in her life but none of these would have been possible without the grace of God and the love and support of her late husband, their children, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, III, Merle J. Flakes, and Sencira Flakes; along with their grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Proverbs 11:25 says, ``A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.'' ``Mama Flakes'', as she was affectionately known, gave her life to God and dedicated herself to the service of others. On a personal note, when I came to Columbus, Georgia in 1972, she nurtured me as if I were one of her children. And, for that, I will be forever grateful. Furthermore, during my two decades as a member of the congregation and choir at Fourth Street and throughout my career, she and her husband shared advice, counsel, and wisdom with me and were always supportive of my career in public service. I can say without reservation that she was one of the most passionate and warmhearted individuals I have ever met. I am proud to consider Mama Flakes and the Flakes family as part of my extended family.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District of Georgia, and people all across the nation, in paying tribute to Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes, for her selfless service to youth, the Church, and to humankind. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who mourn her loss. We pray that we will all be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source