FLANAGAN, Bernice

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Sunday, August 07, 2011 Bernice Flanagan It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the Thursday, July 28, 2011 passing of our family matriarch, Bernice Flanagan. She was the older of two daughters born to Carrie and Willie Lockwood on June 7, 1916 in McNary, Louisiana. Her family moved to McNary, Arizona when Bernice was nine years old. She grew up in McNary and later married Frank Natt, Sr. This union was blessed with four children, Frank Jr. (Bush), Carrie B., Florence and Janet. The Natt family later moved to Flagstaff. Though Bernice and Frank later divorced, they maintained a cordial friendship. Bernice subsequently married Howard Flanagan. They remained residents of Flagstaff for over thirty-five years. Bernice was a long time member of Springhill Baptist Church. In May 1973, Bernice and Howard relocated to Yuma, Arizona. Unfortunately, Howard passed away three months later. Bernice remained in Yuma where she was a faithful member of the Union Baptist Church. She took pleasure in regular visits from her family, cooking, gardening and her pet dogs. She also loved reading gospel scriptures and praising God in song. In the spring of 2003 Bernice returned to Flagstaff to reside with her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Shelby Martin. Bernice was predeceased by her father, Willie Lockwood, her stepfather, Sam Douglas, mother, Carrie Douglas, husband, Howard Flanagan, ex-husband, Frank Natt, Sr., daughter, Carrie Neal and her sister Myrtle Porter. She leaves to cherish her memory a son Frank Natt, Jr. (Betty), two daughters Florence Lawrence (Charles), Janet Martin (Shelby), a step-daughter, Janice Shavers (Roy), Bernice's oldest granddaughter whom she raised as a daughter, Diane Neal Mitcham (Jerry), a granddaughter who played an active role in Bernice's caregiving, Karen D. Martin, a cousin, Gladys Washington (Ivory) nine additional grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, thirty great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Bernice will be memorialized in a private service. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com. The family wishes to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers, love and support during Bernice's lengthy illness. We also wish to thank the following personnel and agencies for their compassionate, professional care: Dr. Laurice Coates, HOSPICE COMPASSUS including: Bob Clark, Laura Elam, Chaplain Don McMillian, Andie Snyder, Lena Gibbs and Faelene Begay; Julie Morales and the Coconino County Department for the Aging, our dear friends and "prayer partner," Mrs. Oreen Brooks, Nurses' Network, Senior Companions, Northern Arizona University's Nursing Department, and Comfort Keepers. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bernice's memory to HOSPICE COMPASSUS. This obituary was produced by the Advertising Department, (928) 556-2279.