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Chaplain (Ret.) U.S. Navy Captain J.C. Williams

by | Jun 25, 2025 | Memoriam, News

It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that the National Naval Officers Association announces the passing of one of our most distinguished members, Chaplain (Ret.) U.S. Navy Captain J.C. Williams, on June 18, 2025.

Born on December 26, 1933, Captain Williams was a pioneering figure—devoted husband, father, minister, civil rights champion, and one of the Navy’s first Black Chaplains. His legacy of service, faith, and leadership touched countless lives across the Navy and beyond. He exemplified honor, courage, and commitment throughout his life and career.

Celebration of Life Services:

  • Friends & Family Gathering:
    Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
    Menu: Southern Bites
    Venue: Columbia Museum, 1515 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Celebration of Life Service:
    Friday, June 27, 2025 | 9:30 AM
    Location: St. John Baptist Church, 3404 West Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29203
  • Military Burial with Honors:
    Friday, June 27, 2025 | 12:00 PM
    Location: Fort Jackson National Cemetery
  • Repast:
    Immediately following interment at St. John Baptist Church

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity. Donate here

Captain Williams’s unwavering dedication to service, equity, and faith leaves a lasting imprint on the Navy and the nation. He will be dearly missed but forever honored.

Captain Don H. Flowers

Captain Don H. Flowers

by | Oct 23, 2024 | Memoriam, News

Service Arrangements:

Send Cards:

Cards may be sent to Mrs. Callie Flowers, 389 Valle Vista, Vallejo, CA  94590

Donations:

In lieu of flowers or any monetary donations, the family is asking that donations be made to the STEM Scholarship Award established in 2015 in honor of Captain (CAPT) Donald Flowers, United States Navy.  Click here to Donate.

Live Stream Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMBCVallejo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTg0-YVw1UgR0rJETQaRTFw/live

NNOA sadly announces mentor and member, Captain Don H. Flowers, a distinguished naval officer and beloved family man, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Captain Flowers embarked on his naval career in 1962, rising through the ranks from the lowest enlisted pay grade to the esteemed position of Captain. His more than thirty-eight years of dedicated service were marked by exemplary achievements and a profound commitment to his country.

Throughout his career, Captain Flowers served on numerous vessels, including the USS Constellation, USS Borie, USS Coral Sea, USS Wabash, USS Cape Cod, USS Norton Sound, USS Carl Vinson, USS Wasp, and Sustain AFDM-7. He also held key positions at various naval installations and training centers.

Captain Flowers’ legacy extends well beyond the military and includes serving at multiple NNOA Chapters at various levels including as Chapter President. He will certainly be missed. He was a devoted husband to Callie Parker Flowers and a loving father to their seven children: Barbara, Wallace, Maurice, Yolanda, Anna, Orion, and Donald.

 
About the Captain Donald Flowers STEM Scholarship
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Scholarship Award was established in 2015 in honor of Captain (CAPT) Donald Flowers, United States Navy. CAPT Flowers held the pay grades of E1-E9, Wl-W4 and O1-O6.
 
A lifetime member of NNOA, he served on the Board of Directors. He was responsible for initiating a community youth program outreach during each Annual Symposium to encourage youth to consider military service. The program focus changed to STEM in 2015. The $500 scholarship is awarded to a deserving high school student who participates in the annual STEM program.
 
The STEM Committee sets the eligibility criteria for the award and presents it to the eligible student(s) at the closing of the STEM Program. The scholarship can be awarded as one scholarship or multiple scholarships; however, the overall amount awarded will not exceed $500.

For example, if two students are selected, each student will be awarded a $250 scholarship. If one student is selected, that student will be awarded a $500 scholarship.
Phillipa Howard (Lipa)

Phillipa Howard (Lipa)

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Memoriam, News

Memorial Notice

Phillipa Howard (Lipa)

Mother of Admiral Michelle Howard (Retired)

The National Naval Officers Association mourns the loss of Phillipa Howard (Lipa), the beloved mother of Admiral Michelle Howard (Retired). Lipa passed peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the age of 91.

Lipa will be remembered as a radiant soul whose presence brought joy to all who knew her. She spent the last seven years of Admiral Howard’s career living with her daughter and Wayne, considering it her final adventure. The Navy spouses who embraced Lipa as their own made her an integral part of the Navy family.

Lipa’s memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and the countless individuals who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Captain Brenda Bradley-Davila

Captain Brenda Bradley-Davila

by | Sep 1, 2024 | Memoriam, News

Captain Brenda Bradley-Davila, NNOA Lifetime Member and dedicated Navy chaplain, passed away on August 28, 2024.

Born to serve, Bradley-Davila began her military journey as a hospital corpsman in the Navy Reserve. Following a call to ministry, she attended Chaplain School in Newport, Rhode Island, and was commissioned as a lieutenant (j.g.) in 1990. With a strong educational foundation in special education, divinity, and strategic studies, she served with distinction on various ships, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS George Washington, and USS John F. Kennedy.

Bradley-Davila’s ministry was characterized by her commitment to meeting people where they were and her emphasis on open-mindedness and availability. She leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and unwavering faith.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, at 2 PM at Eden Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado. Interment will follow at Eden Valley Resthaven Cemetery. A Repast will be held for those who wish to share in a meal and fellowship.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed on the Eden Valley SDA Church Facebook page.

Arthur James Johnson, Sr.

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Memoriam, News

Arthur James Johnson, Sr., father of NNOA STEM Coordinator RADM Arthur Johnson, Jr. (USN, Ret.), passed away on August 14. He was a beloved family man and respected member of his community.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 20th, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at Berry & Gardner Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life funeral service will follow on Wednesday, August 21st, at 11:00 AM, at West Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scholarship Fund at West Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in honor of Arthur James Johnson, Sr. Checks can be mailed to 10530 Woods Rd, Meridian, MS.

Captain Joel Parker

Captain Joel Parker

by | Aug 9, 2024 | Memoriam, News

Memorial Service Information:

Date: August 30, 2024

Location: Reid Temple A.M.E Church, 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd, Glenn Dale, MD 20769

The Wake/Visitation will start at 10:00 am and Service will start at 11:00am,

Following the service, the reception will be held at 3614 Bonhoeffer Drive, Bowie, MD 20721

CAPT Joel Louise Parker, a dedicated nurse, accomplished leader, and NNOA member passed away on August 1, 2024.

A 1977 graduate of Texas Christian University’s Harris College of Nursing, CAPT Parker furthered her education with a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Golden Gate University and a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics from the University of Maryland Baltimore. Her academic excellence earned her induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

With a distinguished military career spanning decades, CAPT Parker served in various capacities, including Intensive Care Nurse, Perioperative Charge Nurse, Department Head, Informatics Officer, and Director of Nursing. Her service took her across the globe, from the United States to Okinawa, Japan, and Iraq, where she played critical roles in supporting military operations.

CAPT Parker’s contributions extended beyond direct patient care. She was instrumental in developing and implementing innovative nursing policies and systems, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field of nursing.

Her legacy as a compassionate caregiver, skilled leader, and dedicated public servant will be cherished by all who knew her.