Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

Obituary For Ella Lee Fountain Flowers

Ella Lee Fountain Flowers, 98, of Richmond, departed this life May 15, 2022. She was born November 16, 1923, the second of eight children to Hugh Lee Fountain and Mildred Woodson Fountain in Richmond. Shortly after birth her mother contracted her name to “Ellalee”. Due to institutional racism throughout the United States in the 1920’s she, like many other African Americans was born in the family home of her paternal grandparents, Mitchell Fountain and Ella Lee Fountain at 911 N. St. James Street in Jackson Ward.

Ellalee joined the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church at an early age where she was a member of the Girl Scouts. She matriculated through the Richmond Public Schools (Navy Hill Elementary, Booker T. Washington Junior High, and Armstrong High). She graduated at age 15 in 1939 from Armstrong High School at the top of her class, and was selected Class Historian.

She then enrolled in Virginia State College for Negroes (now Virginia State University) in Ettrick, Virginia, where she joined her older sister and best friend Mildred. Both were initiated into the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 1939 and 1941, respectively. Ellalee graduated at the top of her class in 1943 with a B.S. degree in business administration.

After graduation, she accepted a position in the president’s office of Southern Aid Life Insurance Company, the largest Black-owned insurance company in the South. While working at Southern Aid, Ellalee enrolled in the Masters of Education program a Columbia University in New York City. Her course work was completed in four summer sessions, all paid for by Commonwealth of Virginia, pursuant to the Dovell Act of 1935. Under the Dovell Act the tuition of Black students who sought terminal degrees was paid for out-of-state universities, rather than desegregate Virginia institutions. The Dovell Act lasted from 1935 to 1962. Ellalee graduated in 1947.

In 1950, Ellalee wed Stafford Alvin Flowers and to that union, Jan Yolette and Gary Lamont were born.

Ellalee was an 80-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and an active member of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter, both serving as Chair of the Habitat for Humanity and the Political Awareness Committees. She also was a lifelong member of the NAACP, and served as the secretary for the Richmond Chapter.

From 1945 to 1979, she taught business courses at Maggie L. Walker High School, retiring as Head of the Business Department. In addition, she taught night school for adults, and instructed elementary students she affectionately called her “little people”.

In 1979, she accepted a faculty position in the Sydney Lewis School of Business at Virginia Union University, from which she retired in 1987.

Ellalee was preceded in death by her husband, Stafford A. Flowers. Surviving are her daughter, Jan; son, Gary; other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. A wake will be held Friday, May 20, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 W. Leigh Street, beginning at 6:00 pm for the Delta Sigma Theta Omega Omega Service followed by the National Epicurean ritual at 7:00 pm. And where funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21. Interment Monday, May 23 at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund in the name of Mrs. Ellalee Fountain Flowers.

Guest Book

To Gary and Jan We are so sorry to hear of your loss. She was a dear friend and neighbor. The Jacksons

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Family I am praying for your healing I remember saying when seeing Mrs. Flowers and Jan I would say.... Look at the the beautiful, lovely Flowers I will miss her dearly

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Dear Cousins Jan and Gary,you have our deepest sympathy and definitely our prayers of comfort and peace. As you may recall, our mothers were both educators and had many phone conversations through the years. They also shared the name Ella. It is with sorrow that our mother passed in January of this year at the age of 88 and few months your mother at the age of 98. They both had two children boy and girl wkith the girl being the oldest. It is so amazing! Keep the faith and trust in God. We share the pain you feel for this is a great loss.Just cherish her memories and she will live in your hearts forever. 💕 With Love and Sympathy. Arveyette,George and your Ellis family

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To the Flowers Family, You have my sincere sympathy for the passing of Mrs. Flowers. May she rest in peace. Respectfully, Shelia Spurlock-Shaw

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She was a great teacher that truly took interests in teaching her students business education and a great role model as a person. She attended our 50th reunion of the MLW CLASS 68 in 2018. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, loves leaves a memory no one can steal.

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I was saddened to hear about the death of Mrs. Flowers. I am a 1967 graduate of ML Walker High School. Mrs. Flower was a sweet and caring person and she always remembered her students.Her legacy will not be forgotten. Rest on Mrs. Flowers 🌹🌹🌷🌷 Student plus Sorority Sister Catherine Eady-Rouse

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The Flowers and Fountain families have our sincere and heart felt condolences and support. Our families are connected in so many ways, schools marriages fraternal and plain friendship. May her passing be not forgotten ,but cherished. Cornell and Wenda Moore family Minneapolis,Mn.

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Jan and Gary like her favorite flower your mother dear was a unique, rare and special beauty. Black Orchid I heard black orchids don't exist, I only nod and smile, for I have seen this rarest bloom, this daughter of the Nile. The odyssey of life fulfilled, I'll not disturb her place, for all of life I only sought to just behold her grace. No such orchid experts say... A quest beyond our sight... but soft as velvet this I know, she surely blooms by night. In my dreams the orchid wakes, remote and raven flower, the comfort of the journey's end perfumes the midnight hour. Barry Middleton

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Heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family. Mrs. Flowers was a wonderful teacher and lady who we all loved and admired at MLW High School. Her pleasing smile was always there and her educational gifts was given to her class. Wonderful life and legacy. Peace and Blessings

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Jan, I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your mother. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Susan Nolte

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Mrs Flowers was an inspiration and role models for all her students at Maggie L Walker. As a proud member of the Class of 56, she told us..Yes You Can. Because of her and all the great teachers during this period, I was able to finish graduate school and lived all over the world with confidence. To the family, as you work thru this lost, be proud of the students she influenced. As you mourn, REMEMBER THE DASH!!!! William Hopkins, Class 56, Shetland Scotland.

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To Gary and Jan: I am sorry to learn of your mother's passing. She was a wonderful lady and a pioneer in so many ways in our communnity. Take comfort in the many wonderful memories. YOu are all in my prayers now and in the days to come. Alvin Morris

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We first met at a party a few years ago. regardless of the 30 year age difference you out danced me and and I believe was the last one to leave the dance floor. Watching your son share a dance with you was so heartwarming. What a lively energetic spirit and heart you were gifted with! It was my pleasure meeting you and a moment etched in my memory. May you continue to dance in heaven. Charlene Wayns Williams

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Sincere Condolences to the Family of Mrs. Flowers. As a student of Maggie L. Walker HS she was a wonderful Educator. Not only did she teach every student, she encouraged the girls to be young ladies and the guys to be gentlemen with respect to everyone. She was small in statue but carried the big stick of honor and respect. We could always lean on her to give sound advice. Rest on Mrs. Flowers. Respectfully Submitted: Class of 71' MLWHS Rev. R. C. Anderson.

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Jan I was sad after reading of the loss of your Mother. My prayers are for you and her family and friends. It is such a blessing that she was able to be a part of your life for such a long time. Bambi Burke Richardson

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To the family of Mrs. Flowers you have my deepest sympathy. Mrs. Flowers was an awesome teacher and a beautiful person. Delores Peters McCray - Maggie L. Walker Class of 1960

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I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Flowers. She was the essence of dignity and grace. As a teacher she was the quintessential role model for every student whether or not enrolled in her class. Always encouraging but quick to scold anyone who stepped out of line. She was the embodiment of the Maggie L. Walker High School legacy and a first class act! Rest in Peace Mrs. Flowers. Alvin M. Adams, President, MLW Class of 1974 Richmond Virginia

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To the Flowers and Fountain families, I remember how warmly and gracious all of you welcomed me to Richmond. Ellalee and Stafford exhibited a devine presence wherever they went. Even during her later years, Ellallee was the model yout lady that we all emulated. Gary, don't forget that you have 44 Whiffette Aunts, who will always love and support you and Jan.

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Dear Jan and Gary, Karen and I were saddened to hear of the loss of your Mother. She was an amazing lady, the epitome of grace and elegance. I know that she and Big Staff are having a ball catching up in Heaven! As the "Unofficial Governor" of the Commonwealth I always enjoyed my annual birthday calls to your Mother. Things will get better with time. God Bless! Love, Rich Williams

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yes iam mr. robert t. montgomery, iam deeply sadden of the passing of a fine outstanding lady mrs flowers was my friend, she taught at maggie walker high school and when i did something wrong she would sit me down and tell me thats not right montgomery she always called me montgomery to her son gary and to her daughter jan flowers, walk with god he will help you during this difficult time

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We extend our condolences and prayers to you all. Bro Gary, I listen to your show and I appreciate your platform. You always spoke highly of your "Mother Dear" and family. God Bless you all. Daniel Walker,Jr and family of NORTH CHESTERFIELD,VA

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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