Flora Horrell Costin

     Flora Mae Horrell Costin, 84, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear  LifeCare in Wilmington surrounded by her loving family.   

     She was born May 9, 1941 in Bladen County, the daughter of Lawrence Willard Horrell and Nellie Naomi Carter Horrell. In addition to her parents, Flora Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Leverne Costin; brother, Carl Horrell; and sister, Carolyn Woodcock.

     Flora Mae is survived by her son, Randy Costin (Betsy); daughters, Gay Johnson (Roy) and Camille Harrell (Randy); grandchildren, Andrea Costin (Tripp), Jared Johnson (Ivy), Jessica Blansett (Craven), Chase Harrell, and Mackenzie Harrell; great grandchildren, Banks Strickland, Finlee Johnson, Reynolds Johnson, Caison Blansett, Grayson Harrell, and Charlotte Council; sisters, Janice Rich and Phyllis Strickland; brother, Wayne Horrell (Bonnie); many nieces, nephews, and friends.

     In 1958, Flora married the love of her life, Jesse Costin, going on to have three children; Randy, Gay, and Camille, building a loving home of 59 years together.

     Affectionately known as Grandma to her grandchildren, she found great joy spending as much time as she could with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother was one of the most important parts of Flora’s life, a role that gave her much pride and joy. She was loving, kind, and supportive and will be dearly missed.

     Flora was a fulltime mom and homemaker for several years before working outside the home. After many years, she dedicated over 22 years of service to Myers Craft Manufacturing Company as a canvas fabricator.

    She had a passion for gardening, which brought much joy and beauty to her home and yard. Any given day you may see her outside working in her yard picking up those dreaded pinecones, limbs, and tending to her beautiful flowers and plants. Not only did she enjoy her outside interests, but she also had many inside ones, including being a great seamstress, sewing costumes for school plays for her children and others as well as curtains, pillows, clothing, and anything else she set her mind to.

     She took much pride in cooking and baking, especially during the holidays and family gatherings. Flora also loved the beach, looking for shells, surf fishing, and pier fishing; it didn’t matter the location; she just wanted to catch the biggest fish. Having a competitive spirit, she and her grandchildren began a contest on who could catch the biggest fish. Flora also enjoyed the sport of basketball; she attended and played at Atkinson High School. She continued to talk about the great times that were had and long lasting friendships she made and maintained with her teammates and classmates throughout the years. Some of  her greatest pleasures were her family’s annual pumpkin carving parties, egg hunts, birthday parties, cookouts, fish frys, and all holidays or the just because get-togethers with family and friends.

     Flora was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school, served on the Social Committee, and assisted with Bible school over the years. She also looked forward to monthly outings with the ladies of the church; they were great friends in Christ and very special to her.

     Flora was a very strong-willed woman. Unfortunately, that would come to an end a few years ago when she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. This condition took away much of her self-sufficiency, but her wish was to remain at home, so with the love and care of her family her request was granted.

     The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2025 at Shiloh Baptist Church with the Reverend Gardner Eakins conducting the service. The family will receive friends  at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Walker Family Cemetery.

     Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.  

    Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

     A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

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