Martha Francis Flanagan

Martha Smith Flanagan of Forsyth, Georgia, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100. A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.

Martha was born in Forsyth, Georgia, to the late Walter Franklin Smith and the late Pearl Goggans Smith. A devoted woman of faith, she was a lifelong member of Paran Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. Martha poured her heart into her church family, teaching Sunday School and greeting every new member with genuine warmth, along with sending thoughtful get-well cards to those who were sick or facing difficult times. She read her bible daily; and believed to her core of living her life by the "Golden Rule” found in Matthew 7:12 stating to "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”, a principle she lived her life by.

While working at Warner Robins Air Force Base, Martha met her future husband, George, and in a moment that reflected her kind and generous nature, her life was changed. One day, on a crowded bus, with standing room only, she noticed a young man with a cast on his ankle. Martha immediately stood and offered him her seat. That young man was George Flanagan, and that simple act of kindness began their life together. They married on November 16, 1946, and shared 39 years of marriage before George’s passing in 1985.

Martha loved to travel, especially to Helen, in the mountains of North Georgia, which brought her peace and happiness throughout her life. At home, she enjoyed tending to her garden and listening to her beloved Gospel music. Her favorite hymns were “In the Garden,” and the "Old Rugged Cross," her favorite Bible verse was the 23rd Psalm. Her gentle spirit, steady faith, and unwavering compassion touched all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, George Flanagan; her sister, Norene Jenkins; her youngest son, Ronnie Flanagan; and her niece, Clarene Pierson.

She is survived by her oldest son, Robert (Susan) Flanagan of Forsyth, Georgia, her grandchildren, Amber (Sean) Sweeney of Edmond, Oklahoma, Melissa Gonzalez of Forsyth, Georgia, Patrick (Peggy) Flanagan of Forsyth, Georgia, Shawna Flanagan of Forsyth, Georgia, her nephew, Bill (Lynn Alexander) Jenkins of Phenix City, Alabama; and her great-granddaughters, Haylee Fugitt of Edmond, Oklahoma, Elizabeth Griffin of Forsyth, Georgia, Georgia Griffin of Forsyth, Georgia, Aubrey Gonzalez of Forsyth, Georgia, Mila Sweeney of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Avery Sweeney of Edmond, Oklahoma.

She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel 86 West Main Street Forsyth, Georgia has charge of the arrangements.