Helen Francis Flannigan

The Life and Times of Helen F. FlanniganIf life is a song worth singing, then every breath taken should exude the melody, the harmony and the rhapsody of Helen Francis Morgan Hughes Flannigan. After a lengthy illness, Helen transitioned peacefully on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 with her family at her side. She was 79. Within a span of seventy-nine amazing years, this incredible woman found a way to leave an indelible mark on the life of every person she touched. She exemplified love both inside and out while modeling the scripture 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails….The unforgettable moment in time was April 4, 1938. It was then that Helen made her grand entrance into the world. Delivered by a midwife in Malvern, Arkansas she was the beloved daughter of Jimmy Morgan and Missouri Evans Morgan. Family played a key role in the development and shaping of her life. Helen accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a little girl. She was a life-long member of Bethel AME Church where she served on the beautification committee, and Women’s Missionary Society, as well as, the Order of Eastern Star. Helen was a 1956 graduate of Wilson High School and once was pronounced Homecoming Queen. She excelled as a student and was always serious about furthering her education. She enrolled at Shorter College in Little Rock and earned a Bachelors of Science Degree. She started what would be a longstanding career with CADC as a social worker for over 30 years. A true servant in every aspect of the word, Helen did not mind lending her time, talent and treasures to many people, causes, organizations and the church.She married Rev. James Hughes and to this union four children were born; Yolanda, April, Irving and Jeffery; she later married Jimmy Flannigan. Of all the notable titles and respected positions she was a loving wife, a super mother, sweet grandmother, proud aunt and a true friend. She loved to cook and her home was often the center for a relaxing atmosphere, plenty of food and laughter. Sewing and yard work were pleasurable, as well as, relaxing. She would spend countless hours talking about the current events and just keeping in contact with her family and friends. To know her was to love her. Although she is no longer present in body, her sweet memory and irreplaceable presence will never be forgotten. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Missouri Morgan; her beloved husband, Jimmy Flannigan; and loving son, Jeffery B. Hughes. Helen leaves an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of many people who learned from her, aspired for greater because of her and saw her manage her life as an example of how greatness is really achieved. A lifetime of love and memories will be felt by her children: Yolanda J. Hughes and April S. Hughes both of Maumelle, AR; and Irving B. Hughes of Memphis, TN; her grandchildren, Kayla Hughes and Justin Murphy both of Little Rock, AR, Marques Hughes of Maumelle, AR and Skylar Hughes of Little Rock, AR; great-grandchildren, Caleb T. Haynes and Cayden J. Hughes; a sister, Margaret Morgan Redic of Malvern, AR. She also leaves her nieces and nephews whom she was very proud of, other relatives, her close friends, Ruby McClelland of Malvern, AR and Myrtle Bass of Malvern, AR, other innumerable friends and the Bethel AME Church family. Public visitation begins at 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at in Malvern, Arkansas. A service in honor of her life will be shared at 12 noon on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Bethel AME Church with Rev. Clarence Guy, officiating. Interment will be in Masonic Cemetery.