Dr. Jacqueline Denise Flakes is the third daughter of Dea. Edgar and Mae Helen Williams, born in Columbus, GA. She is married to the Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, III. They have two children, Braya J. Flakes and Kevin C. Scott, Jr., and two granddaughters, Robyn and Raigan.

She was educated in the Muscogee County School District and is a graduate of Shaw High School. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Columbus College (now Columbus State University) in 1994 and 1996. In 2007, Sis. Flakes received her doctoral degree from Valdosta State University, where she was later named Doctoral Student of the Year. Dr. Flakes has worked in education for more than 28 years.

Her professional career began when she started teaching math at Columbus State University and Southern Union State Community College in Valley, AL. In 1996, Dr. Flakes assisted with the opening of Columbus State University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center, where she served as the Coordinator of Educational Services and directed the Challenger Learning Center. While serving at the space center, Dr. Flakes spent two summers being trained at Harvard University’s Center for Astrophysics.

In 2001, Dr. Flakes was recognized by Dr. June Scobee Rogers (the widow of the commander of Space Shuttle Challenger) in Washington, D.C., for flying over 1,000 simulated missions—becoming the first African-American internationally to receive this honor.

In 2020, Dr. Flakes was inducted into the Columbus State University’s College of Education and Health Care Professions Hall of Fame. Dr. Flakes began teaching in the Muscogee County School District in 2003 at Carver High School. She has taught math at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as college. In 2008, she became the Principal of MacIntyre Park Middle School in Thomasville, GA, where she led the school in coming off the Needs Improvement List. She represented the school in Atlanta, GA, to be recognized by then State Superintendent Kathy Cox. Dr. Flakes currently serves as the Principal of Key Elementary School. Additionally, she tutors students in math from all over the city and at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church. She has also directed math summer camps for elementary and middle school students.

Dr. Flakes has served on the following boards: The Urban League, Salvation Army, and the Muscogee County Friends of Libraries. She is a member of the Columbus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Columbus Chapter of Jack and Jill of America.

She is an active and faithful member of Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church, where she is humbly honored to serve as the First Lady, chair of the Minister Wives Ministry, chair of the Campus Ministry, tutor for the tutorial program, and an active member of the Married Couples Ministry. She loves the Lord and holds the scripture, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) near and dear to her heart.