Mary Flowers Tarwater

Tarwater, Mary Flowers, age 57, of Knoxville, joined her savior Jesus Christ on December 28, 2012. She was a loving, faithful, and elegant wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, having led numerous Bible studies, and ministries of prayer and healing. In recent years, she mentored hundreds of young people in their journeys to faith. Mary contributed countless hours and resources to numerous non-profit groups and ministries. She was a member of All Souls Church in Knoxville. Mary was born September 6, 1955, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Alabama Attorney General Richmond M. Flowers, Sr. and Mary Flowers. She grew up in Dothan and Montgomery with her brothers, Richmond, Jr. and Jeff. She graduated from the University of Tennessee where she met Knoxville attorney, Dwight Tarwater, whom she married on December 22, 1978. Mary and Dwight have three children: Davis, a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Oxford and a 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist; Katherine, a graduate of the University of Georgia and a fourth grade teacher in Knox County; and Dwight, a basketball player at Cornell University. Mary worked in the fashion industry for several years before devoting her life to her family and her ministry pursuits. She was a professional model who made numerous appearances locally and nationally. She worked as an account executive for Revlon and as fashion coordinator and buyer for a local department store. Mary was preceded in death by her father, Richmond M. Flowers, Sr. and sister, Katherine Moran Flowers. She is survived by her husband, Dwight Tarwater; children, Davis, Katherine, and Dwight Tarwater; mother, Mary Flowers; brothers, Richmond Flowers, Jr. and Jeff Flowers; several nieces and nephews; and numerous friends and ministry partners. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 31, at 4:00 pm at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church with Rev. Doug Banister officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Souls Church, 4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, or to the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2:00 – 3:50 pm at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com.

Tributes

Mary Flowers Tarwater

September 6, 1955 - December 28, 2012