Mary Louise Flanagin-Parr
October 1, 1936 — November 23, 2023
Mary Louise Flanagin-Parr passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023. Born Mary Louise Bush to Francis Edward and Norene Bush in Tuckerman, Arkansas on October 1, 1936, Mary developed a love for God, education, and service early in life - all three of which would become the abiding themes of her life.
After graduating from what is now known as the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), Mary and her husband James H. Flanagin Jr. raised their four children here in Conway. She loved people, and she loved her community. Mary was a member of the Conway Civic League; and, she found numerous, informal ways to develop friendship and fellowship as she served those in need.
Mary’s belief in education and in the development of young people was a central theme of her life. For years, she taught at the UCA pre-school and later served as a substitute teacher in the Conway public school system. She was also a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, an organization dedicated to helping women pursue higher education. Many of her grandchildren have fond memories of “Meme’s” after-school homework, piano practice, and bible reading sessions.
Mary also had a deep Christian faith and enjoyed talking to anyone and everyone about scripture. She was active in bible study fellowship for many years and faithfully attended First Baptist Church in Conway with her family; later, becoming a member at Central Baptist Church in Conway.
For many decades, she could be spotted riding her bicycle, walking around her neighborhood, or heading to her next Jazzercise class. Mary never lost her irreverent sense of humor and kept the nurses at the hospital laughing the last two weeks of her life.
In addition to her parents (F.E. and Norene Bush), Mary was predeceased by her brother Harry, first husband James Harris Flanagin Jr., son-in-law Jordan Breaux, and second husband Jimmy Parr.
She is survived by her sister Linda Cragar (Darrell) of Lake Jackson, Texas; daughters Mary Catherine Glover (Eddie) and Linda Leigh Flanagin; and sons, James Flanagin III (Celeste) and Francis Flanagin (Meredith) along with 11 grandchildren, including: Catherine Wood (Brad) of Conway; Mallory Mann of Seattle, WA; Patrick Mann of Greenbrier; Abby Mann Breaux of Conway; Walter Flanagin of Fort Worth, TX; Audrey, Sally, Sarai, and Emily Jane Flanagin, all of Conway; as well as Palmer and Ellis Flanagin of Little Rock. Mary is also survived by 8 nieces, 1 nephew, and 7 great grandchildren: Natalie Kate Wood, Avery Grace Richard, Anna Beth Wood, Zoey Breaux, Drake Breaux, Daxton Breaux, and Mary John Mann.
She will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Haven House, P.O. Box 11348, Conway, Arkansas 72033.
Visitation will be held at 5:30 p.m. on December 19, 2023 at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway with service immediately following at 6:00 p.m.
After graduating from what is now known as the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), Mary and her husband James H. Flanagin Jr. raised their four children here in Conway. She loved people, and she loved her community. Mary was a member of the Conway Civic League; and, she found numerous, informal ways to develop friendship and fellowship as she served those in need.
Mary’s belief in education and in the development of young people was a central theme of her life. For years, she taught at the UCA pre-school and later served as a substitute teacher in the Conway public school system. She was also a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, an organization dedicated to helping women pursue higher education. Many of her grandchildren have fond memories of “Meme’s” after-school homework, piano practice, and bible reading sessions.
Mary also had a deep Christian faith and enjoyed talking to anyone and everyone about scripture. She was active in bible study fellowship for many years and faithfully attended First Baptist Church in Conway with her family; later, becoming a member at Central Baptist Church in Conway.
For many decades, she could be spotted riding her bicycle, walking around her neighborhood, or heading to her next Jazzercise class. Mary never lost her irreverent sense of humor and kept the nurses at the hospital laughing the last two weeks of her life.
In addition to her parents (F.E. and Norene Bush), Mary was predeceased by her brother Harry, first husband James Harris Flanagin Jr., son-in-law Jordan Breaux, and second husband Jimmy Parr.
She is survived by her sister Linda Cragar (Darrell) of Lake Jackson, Texas; daughters Mary Catherine Glover (Eddie) and Linda Leigh Flanagin; and sons, James Flanagin III (Celeste) and Francis Flanagin (Meredith) along with 11 grandchildren, including: Catherine Wood (Brad) of Conway; Mallory Mann of Seattle, WA; Patrick Mann of Greenbrier; Abby Mann Breaux of Conway; Walter Flanagin of Fort Worth, TX; Audrey, Sally, Sarai, and Emily Jane Flanagin, all of Conway; as well as Palmer and Ellis Flanagin of Little Rock. Mary is also survived by 8 nieces, 1 nephew, and 7 great grandchildren: Natalie Kate Wood, Avery Grace Richard, Anna Beth Wood, Zoey Breaux, Drake Breaux, Daxton Breaux, and Mary John Mann.
She will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Haven House, P.O. Box 11348, Conway, Arkansas 72033.
Visitation will be held at 5:30 p.m. on December 19, 2023 at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway with service immediately following at 6:00 p.m.
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