A Life Lived: Frankie Clawson Flannery’s life was defined by hard work and love for the Lord

Published 10:03 am Tuesday, February 4, 2025

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The scriptures tell us in James 1: 2-4: “…whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Frankie Clawson Flannery grew up in Poga, and that is where she returned to spend the last years of her life. Flannery died December 29, 2024 at the age of 88. The last few years of her life had been filled with affliction – first, breast cancer, followed by dementia, and then, two years ago, she fell and suffered a broken hip, leaving her bedridden.

Family and friends describe Flannery as an “amazing lady.” Her daughter, Judy Crisp, said Flannery was a humble person, who always put the Lord first. “She began and ended her day reading her Bible. She loved God and her family above everything,” said Judy.

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Flannery enjoyed singing, and was a founding member of the Glorybound Trio. She was also a lifetime member of Long Hollow Missionary Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and for many years worked and taught in Bible School.

Flannery was the mother of four children, one of whom is deceased. Living are Judy Crisp, Amanda Perry, and Christopher Flannery. Daughter Jackie Wiseman is deceased.

Judy said her mother was a hard worker, and she raised her family by working in the mountains, gathering herbs, leaves, and moss, which she sold. “She would make ropes of pine needles and sell them,” her daughter shared. She also raised a garden every summer and canned and preserved vegetables for the winter months. ”She was a good cook, making most of her meals from scratch. Her homemade vegetable soup was among our favorite dishes.”

Flannery also made many of her own clothes as well as those of her children. “She made most of the dresses she wore to church,” Judy shared.

She said her mother enjoyed church tremendously, and loved sharing about Jesus. Her goal was to raise her children to know the Lord. Regardless of the weather, she walked and took her children to church.

“She not only took care of her children, but she was forever helping her neighbors. She often would walk to a sick neighbor’s home to care for them,” said Judy, who noted that her mother was a very caring person. “She often took people in, clothed and fed them if they were going through a hard time.

“In our growing-up years, we walked everywhere, but in later years, my mother got a car and was able to drive herself to church and other places,” Judy shared.

Flannery’s favorite song was “Amazing Grace” and her favorite scripture was Psalms 23.

Flannery was laid to rest on January 4 in the Stines Cemetery.

Frankie Flannery’s life was her Lord and children, and she gave her all to them. Life was not easy for her, but she was most thankful for what the Lord had given her, and she never ceased to praise Him. In many ways she was far richer than most of today’s millionaires and those that live in mansions. She, today, truly has “got a mansion.”