Alan Futch, proprietor of Dean of Flowers in Farmerville, Louisiana, was recently presented with the prestigious ‘Gold Award’ during the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce Banquet, an esteemed recognition marking the pinnacle of excellence in the local business community.
While chatting with Alan about the history of the flower shop he told a few things that he has learned over the years. “In the 30’s the flower shop in Farmerville was through Kilpatrick Funeral Home, with Effie Kilpatrick as the florist. The business was soon bought out and turned into Thelma’s Flower Shop. Then Jean Dean Hood bought Thelma’s and changed the name to The Dean of Flowers. Leslie Cobb would be the next owner, leaving the name Dean of Flowers. In 2015, I bought the Dean of Flowers and have enjoyed running it so very much!”
In 2016 The Dean of Flowers was celebrating their One-Year Anniversary under Alan’s ownership and The Banner News did an article highlighting Alan as a Meet Your Neighbor. The week the article ran, the Dean of Flowers burned to the ground. This tragedy did not stop Alan, he just moved across the road in the old Kilpatrick Building and continued working for the next couple of years. Around 2019 Alan moved the Dean of Flowers to its current location on 303 Smith Street, Farmerville.
Alan always has some very beautiful and unique gift items in his shop along with some of the most beautiful arrangements that are created and delivered on a daily basis. “I must say doing funeral sprays brings me the most peace and joy. We all work closely with the families when they come in to really get to know the person who has passed away. We take time to pray with the family and minister to them in their time of sorrow. As we work on the piece I feel so very honored to have the chance to do this last thing for their loved one. It truly means a lot to me to be asked. Special thanks to all of our amazing customers.” Stated Alan.
Alan and Christine Cosby are the licensed florists at Dean of Flowers, Beth Scott Johns, Peggy Anderson, Cheryl Alessi and Eddie Bozeman also are employed at the flower shop and each have been special to Alan and all have wonderful work ethics.
Congrats Alan on your recent award!
