Sister Flower began her ministry as Mary Jane Carpenter, a "girl evangelist" from Russelville, Arkansas. She held many extended meetings with dozens saved and baptized in the Holy Ghost. Following a successful revival in Pennsylvania the pastor described her as "thoroughly consecrated and earnest, brings a fine, fearless message, and is a tireless altar worker."

In 1940 she married Joseph R. Flower and served as his faithful partner through a powerful ministry as a pastor, district official and general executive with the Assemblies of God.

In the 1950's she was recognized as the only ordained woman in Syracuse, New York.

Sister Flower graduated to glory on May 6, 2000 at the age of 86.