Dexter, Missouri - At their regular June meeting of the Crowley's Ridge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution a memorial service was held for Jane Flowers, a 29-year member.

Jane was a charter member beginning in 1988 until her death in March of 2017.  She was also a past Regent.

A Call to Remembrance by the DAR Chaplain, Pauline McBride: Let us now, with quiet and grateful hearts, remember our beloved Jane before God.  She left our earhly companionship, but still she lives within our hearts.  Remembering Jane as our dear friend in a blessing.  She is not dead, as she lives within our hearts.

Her granddaughter Delaney Flowers read scripture.

Jean Robinson, her sister, Jane Smith, and their aunt, Joyce Flowers are all 25-year Charter members and past regents of the Crowley's Ridge Chapter of the DAR.  Private Samuel Grier, Jr. (1757 -1820) is their Patriot and 5th great-grandfather of Jean and Jane, and 4th great grandfather of their Aunt Joyce.

Private Grier was born in Londonberry, Northern Ireland and was the son of Samuel Grier, Sr. and Minerva Cooper. He was assigned to Gen. George Washington's main army in Philadelphia.  They fought British at the Battle of Long Island on August 27, 1776.  After the war he returned to Pennsylvania and in 1783 he moved his family to Kentucky, near Bardstown, and bought a large farm.  he and his wife Rebecca raised 11 children, 8 daughters and 3 sons.

His service was honored for bravery in 1996 when a local DAR chapter placed a plaque on his grave.  He died at his home at the age of 63 in 1820.

Many members of the local chapter took turns stating one word that described Jane.  Words like family, friendship, devoted, loving, caring, dedicated to God, all described how each remembered her spirit.

Jane Flowers was born on August 8, 1934, in Hammond, IN and departed this life at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO on March 5, 2017 at 82.

She graduated from Canalou High School in 1951, and then married her childhood sweetheart Billy Carl Flowers on December 19, 1953 in Hernando, MS. 

To this union, three sons were born; Stanley Carl Flowers (wife Sue), Timothy Lynn Flowers (wife Kimberly), and Robert Kevin Flowers (wife Kelly) all of Dexter.  “Nana” counted her greatest blessing in her six grandchildren: Clayton Flowers (wife Chelsie), Aleshia Flowers Eftink (husband Nathan), Delaney Flowers, Owen Flowers (finance’ Amanda), Ethan Flowers, and Alana McRoy; and her three great-grandchildren: Leighton Flowers, Brianna McRoy and Bryson McRoy.  She is also survived by one brother, Mike Averett (wife Rene’) of St. Charles, IL; one sister-in-law Fannie Averett of Dexter; loving nieces, nephews and cousins; many dear friends; and her church family.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Anastasia Flowers and two brothers, Kenny Averett, Jr. and Larry Joe Averett.

She co-owned Flowers’ Fish Farms with her husband, but her true calling was selling real estate in Stoddard County and the surrounding area for nearly 40 years.  For much of that time, she was the owner/broker of her own real estate office (American Realty, Century 21, and Flowers’ Realty) in Dexter.  Mrs. Flowers was a Christian, member of the Dexter Church of Christ, a charter member of the Crowley’s Ridge Daughters of the American Revolution, The Stoddard County Republican Club, and served on the Stoddard County Realty Board.

Her DAR family miss her.

Pictured are Delaney Flowers (left) and Glynda Bates, DAR Regent (right).

Dexter, Missouri - The Crowley's Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution presented colors to the Keller Public Library in appreciation for the use of their beautiful facility for their monthly meetings and special events.

"The Flag of the United States of American and the Missouri State Flag are dedicated to the use of the library and their community of patrons," commented Glynda Bates, DAR Chapter Regent.

Also presented was a Certificate of Appreciation to the library and Staff and Board of Trustees with special thanks for the use of the library, and for the friendly, accommodating personalities of the director and staff.  Pam Trammell, Director of Keller Public Library, graciously accepted the certificate on behalf of the library and was overwhelmed by the donation of two beautiful flags.

Shown in the photo from left to right are Debbie VanSlyke, Keller Library Board of Director representative, Pam Trammell, Director and Librarian, and Glynda Bates, DAR

Dexter, Missouri - It's never to early to start planning for BEARCAT HOMECOMING 2017!  The Committee held their first meeting this week and are well on their way to making this the best ever celebration! The annual Bearcat Community Homecoming Tailgate will be held on September 22, 2017 beginning at 4:30 p.m.  Homecoming Coronation will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the kick-off of the Dexter Bearcats football game vs the Caruthersville Tigers at 7:00 p.m.

The Tailgate will be at Charles Bland Stadium archway.  Spaces are available for $75 each which is about equal to two parking spaces, enough room for a 10x10 tent and a little space to have a game, facepainting, or grill to cook on, etc.

All profits are given back to student organizations of Dexter Public Schools. 

Contact the Dexter Chamber of Commerce at (573) 624-7458.  Spaces must be paid for no later than September 15, 2017.  To get the best spaces, reserve early and pay as soon as possible.

Dexter, Missouri - Thanks to golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and family as well as the amazing community who provide support and are generous with donations, the 18FORE Life grass roots charity organization was able to send out $87,000 in Love Offerings today.

That's 87 families fighting against cancer!  18FORE Life also reached an amazing goal!  They have now surpassed their $2 millionth dollar totaling $2,026,000.00.  What a truly dedicated charity!!

It all began in 1999 as a way for good friends to get together and do something good for others in the community.  Today, it has given hope and a helping hand to those fighting cancer.

This extraordinary weekend is here and it all begins tonight with a banquet to dedicate the memory of Ben Kruse, who together with his brother Scott, and some friends, wanted to do something great to genuinely help people in need.

When Ben’s life was tragically cut short in August of 2004, his work was carried on through his brother and all who came together on that first weekend so many years ago. 

The Ben Kruse 18FORE Life Foundation has now given over two million dollars in love offers thanks to the kind and generous donations of people in our community.

Dexter, Missouri - Each year the Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign raises money for 18FORE Life.  T-shirts are sold and memorial donations were also given when Kathy Jones passed away in August of 2016.  In all more than $17,000 was raised by the charity and to date more than $85,000 has been raised since 2011.

Below is a letter from the family of Larry and Kathy Jones.........

Dear Supporters of the H.O.P.E. Campaign and 18 FORE Life:

Thank you so very much for your t-shirt order and/or donation!  We are pleased to share with you that we sold over 200 t-shirts this year!  This past year, including memorial donations, a HUGE fundraiser led by Lora’s sister-in-law, Fara, at St. Frances Cabrini School in Michigan, and this year’s t-shirt sales, we’ve been able to give a total of over $17,000 to 18 FORE Life.  This is SEVENTEEN $1,000 donations that have blessed families going through some of the scariest and most stressful times in their lives.

In the past six years, since we lost Dad in 2011, the H.O.P.E. Campaign has raised over $85,500 for area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.  This is amazing!  We could not have done this without your help.  Our family knows personally the gifts received with each $1,000 “love offering” that is given, and we’re honored to work with you so that together we can bless others with gifts of hope, love and encouragement.  

When we lost Mom this past August, we renamed our charity the “Larry & Kathy Jones Family H.O.P.E. Campaign.”  This year, our new t-shirts reflect our new name.  The design idea came easily this year.  We used a photo that we took from our parents’ farm the afternoon that our mother passed away.  The sky was absolutely beautiful and so peaceful that day.  There were three distinct sunrays, which are significant for us; we continue this Campaign of Healing, Optimism, Prayer and Example to honor the memories of Dad, Mom and our sister, Sara.  We hope you like the new t-shirts, and we thank you for your continued support of the H.O.P.E. Campaign as we continue to raise prayers, funds and hope for area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illnesses.  

We are truly honored to be part of such a wonderful community of people who offer so much support and encouragement, which allows us to help give back in this way.  We could not do any of this without you.  We thank God for each of you.  

Thank you so much for helping us give back!  Your support means so much!
                 
For additional information, you may e-mail us at: larrybjoneshopecampaign@yahoo.com or visit: www.18forelife.com