Lillian "Ellie" Ellen Flanagan

She was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 28, 1951, as the middle child of (5) to the late Reverend Calvin S. Flanagan, Sr. and Christine A. Watts-Flanagan. To family and friends, she was known as “Ellie”. The introverted yet caring and free-spirited women who always lived life on her own terms.

Ellie graduated from Chicago State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Television. Her curiosity and sharp critical thinking were evident in all things she touched. The majority of her professional career focused within the medical field in clinical research and development positions. She had a deep personal passion for cinema that went well beyond casual entertainment. She was known as a movie buff who enjoyed the study of film theory, history, and technical craft - such as camera work, lighting, editing and sound design. Her main genre was sci-fi and classic monster and creature feature films. Godzilla, King Kong, Frankenstein and the Creature from the Black Lagoon were some of her favorites!

Ellie also maintained a vibrant inner child spirit throughout her entire life which made her presence so special. Yes, even at the young age of 75! As an Auntie and a Great Auntie, she would spend hours having fun with us playing video and board games, reading comics and watching Garfield and Looney Tune cartoons. Her favorite was Bugs Bunny to which she called Bugsy Bunny. The memories created from these engagements with her are priceless and span 50+ years and multiple generations.

Ellie is preceded in death by both parents, Reverend Calvin S. Flanagan, Sr. and Christine A. Watts-Flanagan, her sister Catherine P. Flanagan-Robbins, her sister Christine F. Flanagan-Hummons, her brother Elder Calvin S. Flanagan, Jr. also known as “Skip”, her brother Wilbur N. Flanagan also known as “Chip” and niece Mary C. Flanagan.

Ellie leaves to cherish her memory a brother-in-law, Orritt W. Hummons III; sister-in-laws: LaDrene Y. Flanagan and Rosalind McGee; nieces and nephews: Angela M. Bedford (Demo), Calvin S. Flanagan, III, Heather D. Hummons, April R. Hummons, Miguel Coles, Danielle McGee, Felicia Whitehead, Wilnesha Booker, Wilneka Booker. As well as great-nieces and great-nephews who brought her great joy and lifelong best friend, Annette Anderson, who stood by her through every chapter of her life.