Naomi Joyce Flanders, 86, of Nashville, died Friday January 1, 2021 at her residence.

She was born February 4, 1934 in Berrien County to the late Arthur Avera and the late Sarah Bennett Avera. She was a homemaker, worked at Nashville Textile for years and was a member of the Alapaha Baptist Church. She was the widow of Lewis Edwin Flanders who died on December 12, 2020. She was also preceded in death by a son: Lewis Keith Flanders and a sister: Virginia Luke. Together with her husband, they took care of 62 foster children giving them love and attention and a good home.

She is survived by 2 daughters: Kathy Flanders of Nashville and Karen (the late Jason) McEldowney of Nashville; son: Gabe (Darlene) Flanders of Hartley, TX; 10 grandchildren: Travis (Kimberly Sumner) Harper, Heidi ( the late Jessie) Brown, Dawn (Josh) Walker, Larry (Ellen) Godwin, David (Tonya) Godwin, Denise (Larry Wayne) Harrell, Dakota (Kayla) Flanders, Brandon (Megan) Flanders, Amanda (Blake) Coody and Mercedes Miller; 21 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; companion cat: Ali.

A graveside funeral service will be held Monday January 4, 2021 at 11 AM in the Fletcher Cemetery with the Rev. Stephen Norris and Mr. Travis Harper officiating. Visitation will be in the cemetery thirty minutes prior to the service. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.