LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John M. Flowers posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest
honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John M. Flow-
ers posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, John M. Flowers was born in Brundidge, Alabama, on October
28, 1943, to the late J. D. Flowers and Tommie Mae Lane; at the young
age of 10, he and his family moved to Poughkeepsie, New York; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, John M. Flowers was
an adept basketball player whose quick hands and on-point jump-shots
made him an all-county basketball star; and
WHEREAS, After graduation from high school, John M. Flowers proudly
served his country as a member of the United States Army's 82nd Airborne
Division during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, John M. Flowers distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge, John M. Flowers returned to Poughkeepsie
and served as a self-employed general contractor for over 30 years; and
WHEREAS, John M. Flowers' commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; he always strived to share hope, happiness and
humanity with people not only in the Hudson Valley, but throughout the
World; and
WHEREAS, Since 1992, John M. Flowers has enthusiastically served as a
community organizer; after visiting his sister in a hospital in Boston,
Massachusetts, he began collecting Christmas Gifts to bring joy to
patients at local Nursing Homes and Hospitals; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, John M. Flowers has organized many other
events which have greatly benefitted the Poughkeepsie area including a
Christmas in February celebration at the VA Hospital to recognize the
veterans, Church picnics, and Old Fashioned Easter Egg Hunts and Hallow-
een Parties/Haunted Houses for the kids; and
WHEREAS, A true philanthropist, John M. Flowers enjoyed bringing roses
to mothers at Nursing Homes and Hospitals to recognize them on Mother's
Day, started the first Father's Day Parade in the county to remember the
wonderful fathers in the Hudson Valley, and helped organize volunteers
for the Eileen Hickey Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners at the Lunch
Box; and
WHEREAS, For his steadfast commitment to his beloved hometown, John M.
Flowers has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades includ-
ing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, NewsChannel 6 Good Neighbor

Award, the Dutchess County Sheriff Community Award, the Black Achieve-
ment Award, United Way Golden Rule Award, the Poughkeepsie South Rota-
ry's Jules Schwartz Community Service Award, the Neighborhood Community
Award, the Prestige Award, The Salvation Army Award, Spirit To Community
Award by Families First, Psychologically Healthy Community Award, and
the Eleanor Roosevelt Candlelight Award, as well as the Kappa Alpha Psi
Civic Spirit Award; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he received the Ambassador For Peace Award for
New York State, which was presented in Washington, D. C. by a member of
Congress; the James Brown Award, which was presented by James Brown's
daughter at the New York State Sugar Bar; and The Salvation Army "Others
Award," the highest honor given to a civilian by the Salvation Army; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, John M. Flowers was named the Poughkeepsian of
the Year, and the RNN TV Neighbor of the Week three times; he also
received honorary proclamations from three different Mayors of Pough-
keepsie; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional humanitarian was overwhelmed with gratitude
when the city of Poughkeepsie renamed lower Main Street in his honor; he
spent many hours at the John M. Flowers circle reflecting on the many
lives he touched with his events and the countless people who inspired
him; and
WHEREAS, John M. Flowers died on Friday, August 21, 2015, at the age
of 71; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his two sisters, Joan Slade Keys and Mildred
Simmons, and his daughter, Larissa Flowers McKinnon, John M. Flowers is
survived by his loving wife, Glenda Flowers; his five treasured daugh-
ters, Yvonne Flowers, Alicia (Fitz) Flowers-Mullings, Sheree (Levi)
Flowers-Preston, Lashonda Flowers, and Shatia (Jerry) Flowers-Valerio;
two loving sons, Frank (Lida) Flowers and John (Lilibeth) Flowers Jr.; a
cherished niece, Crystal (Edward); a special nephew, Dennis (Vickie);
three brothers, Larry (Paula), Horye (Theodora), and Wilfred Flowers;
two sisters, Delphia and LaDedra (AC), his devoted life partner and
friend, Ralphynne Vance; 18 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren,
as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and
WHEREAS, John M. Flowers not only brought his expertise to every task,
he brought his passion, enthusiasm, and experience as well; over his
meritorious life, he distinguished himself as a man of values and
commitment and of sincere dedication and substantial contribution; and
WHEREAS, Individuals such as John M. Flowers, devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
.SO DOC S R3988 RESO TEXT 2015
self-worth, are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John M. Flowers posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John M. Flowers.