Wanda Flannigan

Sister Wanda June Flannigan, 62 of Camden, transitioned to be with our Lord and Savior early Sunday morning, January 26, 2020, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff.

Sis. Wanda was born in Forrest City, AR, on October 7, 1957, the daughter of James and Precious P.L. Pritchett. Wanda was raised in a home full of love and structure. Her father was a soldier and a farmer while her mother was an educator and a poet. At an early age, Wanda welcomed her brother, James. The two remained close and supportive of one another throughout their adulthood, and even attend UAPB where both would graduate. Later in life, she discovered that she had an older sister, Rose Jones. Wanda and Rose's relationship remained close as the two often spoke and shared cards with one another.

Wanda taught special education in several schools but spent the majority of her career (22 years) teaching in the Camden Fairview School District. It was there that Wanda developed a reputation for being strict but full of love. In fact, several of her students have shared stories of Wanda bringing sandwiches and clothes to school for less fortunate students and helping them battle self-esteem issues. Wanda's methods were unconventional but professional and rooted in faith. As a coworker, Wanda was known to brighten every room and encourage younger educators. She became more than a coworker and a teacher. She let God's light shine through her.

Wanda had several surgeries after doctors found a tumor on her pituitary gland between 2000-2004. Each time, the surgeries lasted longer than anticipated and resulted in months of recovery. Because of this, Wanda ultimately had to retire. Wounded but unbowed, Wanda still felt a need to reach out and encourage people so she started her own phone ministry where she called and encouraged the sick or downtrodden. She also kept records of everyone's birthday and sent cards and well wishes.

Wanda loved her Whitest Chapel Missionary Baptist Church family where she served as an usher, member of the missionary department and a Sunday school teacher for many years. She added to her Christian fellowship by attending the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church often where she formed several close friendships. She was an avid prayer warrior, poet, and speaker and never met a stranger.

Wanda's pride and joy was her family. While the union of Wanda and Fred Flannigan did not last, the two still respected one another and made sure their four children were loved. Despite her ailments, Wanda did all that she could to raise her children and make sure all of them received an education. She had a unique connection with each one of them and often testified about God's favor on her and her family.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her three sons, Evan Pritchett (Tonya) of Camden, Brandun Flannigan (Marguerite) of Pine Bluff and Patric Flannigan of Camden; and one daughter, Jessica Green (Melvin) of Conway. One brother, James Pritchett (Veti) of Cedar Hill, Tx.; one sister, Rose Jones of Little Rock; two nieces she considered as daughters in Jasmine Ames (Little Rock) and TK Jones (Missouri), five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-niece. Wanda considered her in-laws as family; two sisters, Brenda Ames and Evelyn Flannigan; and a brother, Cedric Flannigan. Wanda had numerous friends including her best friend Lanie Williams and a special friend in Doristene Willis. She also leaves behind a special son in Otis Tramble and a special daughter in Arial Harper.

Visitation will be at Williams Funeral Home-Van Buren from 1 - 7 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020. Services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Whitest Chapel Baptist Church, 1032 Cook Street, Camden, Ar. where the Rev. Michael J. Wilson is the pastor.