The Flag Lady’s Flag Store: 5 Ways The Leavitt Family Legacy Continues After The Founder’s Passing

The Flag Lady’s Flag Store, a celebrated institution in Columbus, Ohio, continues its mission as one of the nation's premier flag dealers, even as the business transitions to its second generation of leadership. As of December 15, 2025, the store remains a beacon of patriotism and community service, deeply rooted in the Clintonville neighborhood where it has operated for over four decades. The store is not just a retail location; it is a testament to the enduring vision of its founder, Mary Leavitt, and the innovative stewardship of her daughter, Lori Leavitt Watson, who is carrying the tradition forward with a focus on custom design and dignified flag service.

The business, which began in 1980 with Mary Leavitt selling flags door-to-door from the trunk of her car, has grown into a world-class operation recognized for its commitment to quality and customer service. The continuity of this family-owned enterprise, now led by the second-generation “Flag Lady,” ensures that the store’s core values—a love for God, family, and country—remain at the heart of every American flag, state flag, and custom banner they produce. This deep-seated commitment is what sets them apart in the competitive world of flag and flagpole sales.

The Flag Lady Legacy: Mary Leavitt and Lori Leavitt Watson's Biography

The story of The Flag Lady’s Flag Store is inseparable from the lives of the two women who have defined its identity: Mary Leavitt and her daughter, Lori Leavitt Watson. Their combined biographies tell a tale of entrepreneurial spirit, patriotism, and successful family succession.

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Mary Margaret Haley Leavitt: The Original Flag Lady (1936–2023)

• Full Name: Mary Margaret Haley Leavitt.
• Nickname: "The Flag Lady."
• Life Span: 1936 – December 4, 2023.
• Founding Year: 1980, in Columbus, Ohio.
• Business Start: Began by selling the American Flag door-to-door from the trunk of her car.
• Core Values: Described as a woman who loved God, her family, and her country “with every fiber of her being.”
• Retirement: Retired in 2017, passing the business to her daughter.
• Legacy Event: Her passing in late 2023 marked a significant moment for the Clintonville community and the national flag industry, solidifying her status as a beloved local figure.

Lori Leavitt Watson: The Second Generation Flag Lady

• Current Role: Second Generation Flag Lady, Owner, and Vice President of The Flag Lady’s Flag Store.
• Start Date: Joined the family business in 1993.
• Key Contribution: Originally joined to expand the company’s manufacturing division, showcasing a dedication to quality production.
• Succession: Took over full ownership and management from her mother, Mary, in 2017.
• Current Focus: Continues to uphold the store's reputation as one of the top 5 Flag Dealers in the United States, emphasizing customer service and custom flag expertise.

The Five Pillars of The Flag Lady's Enduring National Authority

The Flag Lady's Flag Store has maintained its status as a highly recognized independent flag dealer for over 40 years by focusing on specialized products and community-centric services. Their topical authority is built on five key areas that cater to both individual patriots and major corporate clients.

1. World-Class Custom Flag and Appliqué Expertise

One of the store’s most significant differentiators is its expertise in custom flags and banners. Since 1992, they have been creating "world class applique flags & banners" for all seasons and occasions. This service is crucial for companies, organizations, and families looking to create a unique visual identity. A custom flag or banner is treated as a reflection of the identity and image a company or individual wishes to portray, requiring meticulous attention to detail in the design and manufacturing process. They offer personalized flags that can be completely unique to a family or business, going far beyond simple screen printing.

2. The Dignified American Flag Retirement Program

Demonstrating a profound respect for the American Flag, The Flag Lady’s Flag Store operates a formal American Flag Retirement Program. This essential community service ensures that worn, torn, or faded flags are retired with the dignity and reverence they deserve. The program reflects the store's dedication to veterans and patriotic service, offering a proper channel for citizens to honor the national emblem when it is no longer fit for display.

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3. Comprehensive Military and Public Service Flag Selection

The store maintains a vast and comprehensive inventory of military flags, honoring every branch of the U.S. armed forces. This includes specialized flags for the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. Their commitment to military families and veterans is a cornerstone of their business, providing high-quality flags for ceremonies, memorials, and personal display. Beyond the military, they also stock flags for various public service entities and historical flags, appealing to a wide range of civic and historical interests.

4. Specialization in Regional and Collegiate Flags

As a Columbus, Ohio-based business, The Flag Lady's Flag Store is a major supplier of regional and collegiate flags, most notably the highly sought-after Ohio State Buckeye Flags. This local specialization connects them deeply with the state of Ohio and its passionate sports culture. They also carry a wide selection of State and Territory flags, International Flags, and even specific Religious flags and NFL flags, establishing them as a one-stop shop for diverse vexillological needs.

5. A Multi-Generational Commitment to Customer Service

The transition from Mary Leavitt to Lori Leavitt Watson in 2017 was seamless, ensuring the family-owned and operated nature of the business continued. This continuity has allowed the store to maintain a reputation for good customer service and timely delivery. The business is not merely transactional; it is dedicated to helping people honor "seasons of joy, moments of reverence, and life's most important milestones" through the symbolic power of flags. This personal touch, spanning over four decades, is the true secret to their long-term success and national recognition as a top flag dealer.

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Finding The Flag Lady: Location and Online Presence

The physical location of The Flag Lady's Flag Store remains a landmark in the Clintonville area of Columbus, Ohio. The retail store, situated at 4567 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, serves as the hub for their operations. However, their reach is national, thanks to a robust online presence through their website, FlagLadyUSA.com, which allows customers across the United States to access their full catalog of US Flags, custom flags, flagpoles, and accessories.

The store's dedication to quality is evident in their offerings, which include durable flagpoles and a variety of accessories designed to withstand different weather conditions. Whether a customer is seeking a small garden flag, a large commercial banner for a corporate headquarters, or a custom-designed promotional item, The Flag Lady's Flag Store leverages its manufacturing expertise and deep product knowledge to meet every requirement. This blend of local retail presence and national e-commerce capability ensures the Leavitt family’s flag legacy will continue to wave proudly for many years to come.