Cortez (Bullington) Flowers: 1924 – 2008

By Stephanie Pitcher Fishman Bullington, Family History Month 4 Comments

I woke up dreaming about my granny this morning. She’s who I call my Cotton Granny here on Corn and Cotton.

She went on to heaven eight years ago today. My mother, my boys (technically my uncles but more like brothers; one of which is no longer with us either), and myself sat with her during her last hours. I’ve never done something so difficult.

I thank God that I can finally hear her voice again. It was too hard for a few years, but it’s back. She wasn’t perfect, but she was amazing. I thank her for my strong sense of family.

It was my Granny that got me started in family history. One day I’ll write the complete story of how we would sit discussing her family. How as her memory faded she only remembered the good in everyone and every situation. One day it won’t feel so personal, and I will be able to write it. It is, however, fitting that I get to end Family History Month each year with a day in my Granny’s life.

In so many ways she changed my life forever – holes in biscuits for syrup; my deep love of Georgia; cousins that I miss every day; a crazy strong faith; a Bible story book that is falling apart; blankets made my hand; my love of crochet; sayings that make my family smile; an unbelievable “mama bear” response that kicked in even when I was an adult dealing with grown up situations of my own; photos of her measuring my daughter’s feet the day she was born; tomato soup; Diagnosis Murder on television; the Atlanta Braves; fuzzy slippers; and so much more.

You can find my Granny sprinkled throughout Corn and Cotton Genealogy. She’s my profile picture on social media. She lives in each family story. She’s my connection to the past. And, if you want to learn more about her you can simply search my blog for, “Cortez.”

Cortez Bullington Flowers (1924-2004)

4 COMMENTS

Mariann Regan

31 October 2012 Reply

Your Granny sounds wonderful. Especially when she kicks in with her unbelievable “mama bear” response. Her presence in your life must have felt like solid ground, a reality you could always count on. You remember the little things and the big things about her. I had an aunt like that, and I often dream about her. Her name, “Cortez,” stands out to me. It’s unusual. Was that a frequent given name in your family? Thank you for sharing this warm and heartfelt portrait.
Mariann Regan recently posted..And the Walls Come Tumbling Down

Stephanie Pitcher Fishman

1 November 2012 Reply

Thank you, Mariann! She was named after her mother’s teacher. Her mother’s classmate also named her daughter after the same teacher. My granny said that she and her friend would walk down the street yelling, “Hi Cortez,” over and over because it made them feel special. I love it. :)

Cindy Freed

1 November 2012 Reply

What a beautiful tribute to someone you loved very much! I felt privileged to share in your memories. I look forward to more remembrances about your Cotton Granny and when the time is right, the complete story you refer to.