[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 36 (Monday, February 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E184-E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF MRS. ROBENA GAINES FLAKES

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 28, 2022

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and 
solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a phenomenal 
woman of God, dedicated early childhood educator, and beloved role 
model, Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes. Sadly, Mrs. Flakes departed to her 
eternal reward on Saturday, February 5, 2022. A homegoing service 
celebrating the life of this exceptional woman was held on Saturday, 
February 12, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church 
located at 5230 Lee Road 235 in Phenix City, Alabama.
  Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes was born in Phenix City, Alabama in 1935. 
After graduating from South Girard High School, she went on to study 
Early Childhood Education at Morris Brown College and Columbus State 
University. She also attended American Baptist Theology College at the 
Friendship Baptist Church campus in Columbus, Georgia.
  Mrs. Flakes was a loving mother to her children and was a supportive 
wife to her late husband, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, Jr. She was the 
compassionate first lady to his congregations at Fourth Street 
Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia and Good Hope Missionary 
Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama. Together they used their deep 
and abiding faith in the Lord to make a tremendous impact on their 
community, state, and nation. Their son, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, III 
now pastors Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church and, in addition, 
previously pastored Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church as did his 
father before him.
  Mrs. Flakes was also the Founding Director of the Fourth Street 
Daycare Center (now the Robena Gaines Flakes Daycare) which was 
established in 1993. During her tenure as Director, the center expanded 
its roster from 56 children to over 150 children. She also expanded the 
facility as well as its programs and services to include an after-
school program for elementary school students. It was also the first 
daycare to receive the ``Center of Distinction Award'' from the state 
of Georgia. She served in this capacity for 12 years until she retired 
as Director in 2005 and went on to serve as a Consultant.
  Mrs. Flakes received several accolades and awards for her work with 
the youth. These awards include the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Award 
from the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 
and the Gracious Ladies of Georgia Award. She also served as President 
of The East Alabama Women's Association.
  Mrs. Flakes accomplished many things in her life but none of these 
would have been

[[Page E185]]

possible without the grace of God and the love and support of her late 
husband, their children, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, III, Merle J. 
Flakes, and Sencira Flakes; along with their grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. Proverbs 11:25 says, ``A generous person will prosper; 
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.'' ``Mama Flakes'', as she 
was affectionately known, gave her life to God and dedicated herself to 
the service of others. On a personal note, when I came to Columbus, 
Georgia in 1972, she nurtured me as if I were one of her children. And, 
for that, I will be forever grateful. Furthermore, during my two 
decades as a member of the congregation and choir at Fourth Street and 
throughout my career, she and her husband shared advice, counsel, and 
wisdom with me and were always supportive of my career in public 
service. I can say without reservation that she was one of the most 
passionate and warmhearted individuals I have ever met. I am proud to 
consider Mama Flakes and the Flakes family as part of my extended 
family.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, 
along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional 
District of Georgia, and people all across the nation, in paying 
tribute to Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes, for her selfless service to 
youth, the Church, and to humankind. We extend our deepest condolences 
to her family, friends, and all who mourn her loss. We pray that we 
will all be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy 
Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

                          ____________________