Anita Lashelle Flowers

Anita Lashelle Franklin was born in Panama City, Florida at Tyndall Airforce Base on October 17, 1967 to Mayola Watson and Howard Franklin, Jr. She was the second born of three siblings, between Jacqueline and Howard, Jr., II. Anita was born with the sweet personality and beautiful smile that she become known for throughout her life. She attended public schools in Panama City, Florida, graduating from Rutherford High School in 1985. Anita attended Gulf Coast Junior College in Panama City, and then matriculated to Fayetville State University where she was a member of the Army ROTC. After graduating from college, she joined the United States Army in 1990, ready to proudly serve her country, showing the strength and determination that characterized her. She returned from Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and was then stationed in an Army Reserve Unit in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Anita met and married Terry Wolfe in 1992, and they later divorced. To their union, Jasmyne was born in Tacoma, Washington. Anita was Jasmyne’s best friend, and she could lean on her mother whenever needed, knowing her mom would answer her phone call no matter the time. Jasmyne would talk to her about anything, she was her confidant, her supporter, her rock, her counselor; her mom was her everything, and the most supportive person in her life. Anita poured her wisdom and knowledge into Jasmyne, guiding her away from crazy, rash decisions, and keeping her on track. Jasmyne loved her mom and always wanted to be next to her. Anita moved to Longwood, Florida in 1997. She joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in 2001. In 2002, Anita and Willie became platonic roommates and served together in the same United States Army Reserve Unit. Their friendship later blossomed and on May 24, 2008, Anita and Willie married, becoming soulmates. They shared a genuine love and respect for each other. Their relationship started similar to any other couple in love, but they grew to become inseparable, enjoying many of the same hobbies, especially things they could do together, as they cherished each other’s company. They remained inseparable until she departed this world. Anita worked at CHEP as a Data Analyst for 20 years, retiring a few years ago. During her time with CHEP, she was passionate about volunteering to build homes with Habitat for Humanity to help families in the community. She was a valued team member, very dedicated to her work, and had many fond memories of her coworkers. Anita enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, was serious about bid whist, and she loved sports; especially football. Her favorite NFL team was the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) and the Wildcats of Bethune Cookman University. She was a season ticket holder for the Wildcats and really enjoyed attending their games, especially the road trips. Most of all, Anita loved being with family and friends, attending family reunions or any occasion everyone got together. She was quick with lending a helping hand and always ensuring everyone was good. Her unmistakable laugh would rang out, and her beautiful dazzling smile brightened every setting. She was a friend to all. She never gave a second thought to hitting the road to Panama City to see her mother or spend time with her sister, Jackie, with whom she shared a special and close bond. This was especially evident in the loving care Jackie provided Anita in her final months. Anita was a breast cancer survivor, and fought valiantly. Unfortunately, she suffered another setback with pancreatic cancer. She was strong - strong in character, strong in faith, strong in spirit - and fought a good fight until God called her home. On Wednesday morning at 9:07a.m., Anita Flowers entered into sweet rest with the Saints in Heaven. Her departure is a deep and personal loss to her family and she will be deeply missed. Anita was preceded in death by her Nephew, Jemail Franklin; Aunts: Lillie Porter and Ethel Ford; Uncle, L. W. Watson. Anita leaves to cherish her memory: a loving, devoted and supportive Husband of 14 years, Willie Flowers of Orlando, FL; Daughter, Jasmyne Wolfe of Tampa, FL;Stepson, Dante Flowers (Carmen) of St. Louis, MO ; loving Mother, Mayola Watson of Panama City, FL; Father, Howard Franklin, Jr. (Lurna) of Longwood, FL: Brother, Howard Franklin, Jr., II (Latanya) of Orlando, FL; Sister, Jacqueline Griffin (David) of Panama City, FL; Nephews: Michael and Miles Franklin, both of Orlando, FL; Sisters - in-law: Veronica Willis of Atlanta, GA, Sandra Brooks (Byron) of Orlando, FL; Brother-in-law, Spencer Bridges (Sara) of Orlando, FL; Aunts: Dorothy Donar of Panama City, FL, Hattie Ramseure (Warren), and Purla Doster (Willie), all of Bowie, MD, Betty Jean Jinkins of Killeen, TX, and Vera Lee Banks of Panama City, FL; Uncles: James Watson of Sacramento, CA, Jimmy Lee Scott of Eatonville, FL, James H. Franklin (Sakinah) of Orlando, FL, and Milton H. Franklin (Cynthia) of Enola, PA; and a host of wonderful cousins, other loving relatives and sorrowing friends. To view the service via livestream please use the link below: https://youtu.be/Na-8SOElRrg

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Anita Lashelle Flowers

October 17, 1967 - November 16, 2022