TAVIS SMILEY CONFIRMS PASSING OF LONG TIME EXECUTIVE PRODUCER SHERYL FLOWERS

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) - The Smiley Group, Inc. is sad to announce the passing earlier today of its longtime executive team member, Sheryl A. Flowers.

Flowers, 42, was Director of Communications at TSG and the longtime Executive Producer of The Tavis Smiley Show on public radio. Flowers was the executive most responsible for the success of the radio show for its three years on National Public Radio (NPR) from 2002-2004, and was personally asked by Smiley to take the helm when he moved in 2005 to have the show distributed by Public Radio International (PRI).

Said Smiley, "Sheryl's vision and direction made possible the early success of our NPR program which laid the groundwork for the success we're now enjoying on our PBS television show. Without Sheryl's particular genius, our company's capacity to empower listeners and viewers over these years would have been severely diminished. We all loved her deeply and we'll sorely miss her. In the days ahead, we will find an appropriate way to honor her short life to ensure that her legacy endures."

Flowers was surrounded by her family when she transitioned at approximately 5:33 a.m. Monday at the Cedar's Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after an almost two-year battle with cancer.

Her only sister, Lori Flowers, said of Sheryl, "Our hearts are broken at the loss of our beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. She was a beautiful and amazing spirit and we are honored to have been a part of her life. The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers at this time."

The Flowers-Clement family has announced that there will be no funeral services, but plans for a memorial service in the coming weeks in Los Angeles to celebrate her life and lasting contributions will be announced later.

 CONTACT:

Vonda Paige
The Smiley Group, Inc.
323-290-1888, ext. 229
vpaige@tavistalks.com