COMMITTAL GRAVESITE SERVICE - Shelly Flowers

Opening Welcome

Good Afternoon, My name is Darrin Brown, Pastor at New Life A/G and I’m pinch hitting for Bruce who was not able to be here. What an honor to be here to remember and celebrate the life of Shelly Flowers.

On behalf of the family, I would like to thank you for coming and meeting together on this unseasonably chilly day in May as we put Shelly in her final resting place here on earth. We know that Shelly was very much loved and she will be deeply missed.

As we begin, let’s ask the Lord’s blessing.

Prayer

Father thank you for the life of Shelly and for the precious memories that will live on forever. Thank you for the way that she touched many lives, those in her family and all those who’ve had the privilege of knowing her as a friend. Jesus, bless this time as we pause to remember and celebrate Shelly today.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Scripture

Let me open up with one of Shelly’s favorite scriptures…

Romans 8:38–39 NIV

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing can separate us from God’s love, not even death. Shelly has fought the good fight and has finished her race. Right now we have so many questions and so many unfinished plans, so many stories that ended way too soon because Shelly went way too soon.

Right now we hurt and we grieve but as we gather together and remember and share those sweet and precious memories of Shelly. As we do this together, we recognize that we are not hurting alone.

Love is what brings healing and I sense some beautiful love in this family.

I’m going to read Shelly’s obituary and then we will open it up to share stories and memories about Shelly.

Obituary

Michele Renee “Shelly” Flowers, 62, loved mother, grandmother, wife, daughter and sister, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Hillsdale. She was born on February 4, 1964, in Bryan OH. Her life was a testament of love, compassion, and dedication to others.

Shelly married Kevin Flowers on May 14, 1984. They remained married until his death in 2015. Her pride of life is her two sons, Ken and Zach and her two grandchildren, Eden and Zander. She has been in a loving relationship with Kevin Nichols since 2017.

Shelly had a long career at the post office where her mailbag often outweighed her. She enjoyed the opportunity to develop and embrace relationships with the Jonesville community. She finished her work life at the Jonesville Schools, wearing the same orange and black that she started her school life with the Class of 1982.

She was known for her great love and compassion. Her arms and heart were open to people of all different flavors. If you knew her, she was always happy to see you and do whatever she could to help you. She was a self-proclaimed hippie and lover of music, often sending YouTube videos to friends and family as the song moved her.

She is survived by her two sons, Ken (Rachel) Flowers of Spring Arbor and Zach Flowers of Jonesville; two grandchildren, Eden and Zander; loving partner, Kevin Nichols; mother, Nancy Biggs; and three siblings, Mickie (Bruce) Sweet, Norman (Becky) Biggs and Mark (Beth) Biggs.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kevin Flowers and her father, Michael Biggs.

This was a beautifully written tribute of Shelly’s life yet it was only a snapshot. We have so many memories and stories to share that are all birthed out of being close to Shelly.

We will start with Zach and then Mickie.

Open Invitation Family

Here is a beautiful poem that I received from someone who suffered the loss of a spouse and it brought me great comfort.

The Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me"

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don't worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we're together again.

Committal INTRO:

Forasmuch as it has pleased Almighty God, in His wise providence, to take out of this world the soul of our sister, we therefore commit her body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; looking for the resurrection at the last day, and the life of the world to come through our Lord Jesus Christ, as whose coming to judge the world the earth and the sea shall give up their dead; the bodies of those who sleep in HIM shall be changed and be made like His glorious body; according to that power by which HE is able to subdue all things unto HIMSELF.

Read Ps 23

Psalm 23 KJV 1900

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

PRAY:

Almighty, we gather beside the grave today to lay to rest the body of our friend and loved one. We do so remembering another grave in another place - the tomb that receives the body of our Lord Jesus.

As Jesus came from the grave to live again, we know that all who died in HIM shall never truly die.

Father, help us to walk by faith and not by sight, with our trust in HIM who said, “I am the living one; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” Revelation 1:17, 18.

In Jesus name amen.