Blooming Through Generations

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." - Colossians 3:23-24

Words by Cooper Kirkpatrick | Image by Ryan McGill and courtesy of Donna Nolen 

Audra Holloway's story began in downtown Jasper, Alabama, with a single act of resilience.

After her husband suffered a life-altering accident, Audra took a job at a flower shop to support her family. What started as a simple janitorial role quickly transformed into something more. Over time, she acquired skills in floral design and shop management, and her commitment and creativity flourished, eventually leading Audra to open her own flower shop, Audra's Flowers.

The shop became a place where she comforted people in their grief and celebrated with them in their joy.

"She did it to earn money," recalls her daughter, Donna Nolen. "But she was so good at reaching out to people who were grieving. It truly was a ministry for my mother."

While Audra ran the shop, Donna pursued a different path. She attended Auburn University, earned a degree in elementary education, and taught at Cordova Elementary School. Donna started her own family and met her husband, Ron, through a chance encounter — he was delivering flowers.

Though Donna had her own career, she often returned to her mother's shop, helping during the busy holiday and summer breaks. Her family pitched in, and together, they kept the shop running. During these times, Audra passed down her knowledge, teaching Donna the intricate details of managing the business.

In 2000, Audra passed away, leaving Donna with a business and a legacy. Donna's aunt, Sammy Frazier, briefly stepped in, but Donna soon took over, driven by a sense of duty and love for her mother's life's work. Audra's Flowers continued to grow under Donna's care, expanding to include gifts and other items and even launching a website, attracting younger customers while preserving the loyal base her mother had nurtured.

Managing the store alone has been challenging, especially in recent years. The pandemic brought challenges that Donna had never faced before, such as being required to close the store for two weeks. Yet when she reopened, business was stronger than ever, a testament to the relationships she and her mother had built within the Jasper community. Donna's dedication and hard work have earned her the same trust and respect that her mother enjoyed.

Running Audra's Flowers is demanding, especially during April and May when cemetery decorations are in full swing across Walker County. Still, Donna finds motivation in knowing that she is keeping her mother's memory alive. "I want to please my customers; otherwise, I wouldn't have a business," she says.

Now nearing 70, Donna continues to operate the store with the help of loyal employees, friends, and family. Her father, who worked until he was 92, instilled the drive to continue, often reminding her, "Once you do retire, you'll be searching for something to fill your time." Donna shows no signs of slowing down and remains deeply committed to the community her family has served for decades.

"Any job worth doing is worth doing well," she says.

Audra's legacy lives on, not just in the flowers arranged and delivered each day, but in the spirit of resilience, love, and dedication that Donna brings to the people of Jasper. 78