Lafrance Flanagan “Frenchy"

Born on July 7, 1929, in Greenville, Mississippi, LaFrance moved to Houston during grade school and proudly graduated from Charles H. Milby High School in 1947. A spirited student and natural leader, she excelled in tennis—advancing to the state level—and was honored as Basketball Sweetheart in 1944 and 1945. She also served as Band Majorette in 1945 and 1946 and was both Band Majorette and Drum Major from 1945 through 1947—roles she performed with pride and grace.

LaFrance built a strong and admirable career in bookkeeping and finance, working for Magnolia Fruit and Produce and later as a registrar with Pagette-Thompson. She also gave generously of her time as a dedicated volunteer at Memorial Hospital—Southeast Memorial.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Blanche Inez Gothard and Noah Webster Fox, and by her devoted husband of 77 years, Billie Joe Flanagan.

LaFrance is survived by her loving children: Cynthia Gail Flanagan Lyon; Donald Joe Flanagan; and Theresa Inez Flanagan-Ramirez and her husband, Teodoro Ramirez. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Shelly Lyon Burns and husband Willie Burns, Billy James Lyon and wife Kendra Lyon, Timothy Ward, Brandon Scott Jones and partner Samantha Contreras, Courtney Jones, and Dylan Jones. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear family friends.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Quality Lux Residential Living, LLC, for the compassionate care shown to LaFrance during her final days.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at a Service and Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 2nd at 12:00 PM, at Forest Park Lawndale – Chapel of Angels. A visitation will be held the evening before, on Friday, August 1st, from 5:00–8:00 PM (friends welcome). Interment will follow the service at Forest Park Lawndale.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in LaFrance’s honor to Quality Lux Residential Living, LLC, in recognition of the love and care shown to our beloved mother.

LaFrance’s life was one of resilience, faith, and fierce love for her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.