Catherine Pearl (Flanagan) Robbins

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

Prayer

Jesus my sustainer, thank you so much for your endless supply of grace and mercy. Although we as a family may have not been ready to let Catherine go, we understand that you needed her back and we are forever grateful for the time that you lended her to us. Today we want to celebrate her life especially knowing she is no longer in pain. We rejoice in knowing we will see her again and that she is in the arms of our Healer. May she enjoy her eternal rest and joy in your presence. May you continue to grace the family with your presence to comfort and encourage them through these times in Jesus name Amen.

by: Bridgette Houston

Obituary

Catherine Pearl (Flanagan) Robbins, 74, passed away peacefully and returned home early in the morning of January 27, 2021. She professed her life to Christ at an early age while being active in the church and never lost her faith as she battled illness throughout the years.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 23, 1947 as the first born of 5 children to the late Reverend Calvin Stuart Flanagan, Sr. and Christine Ann Flanagan. To her family she was known as Cathy and to her grandchildren known as “Nano”.

Early in life she displayed leadership and drive with every endeavor she decided to pursue. She was a very strong woman who also applied that same strength in how she loved those dear to her. As a young girl, she took pride in being a Girl Scout and when she was in college she had a passion for acting as a drama student. In fact, she was pretty good and engaged in many theatrical productions. She had an appreciation for fine arts and also enjoyed playing the piano and organ at her father’s church.

In 1985, she moved to Austin Texas to further her career in the field of Accounting where she excelled at various companies in the high-tech sector. She enjoyed gospel music, gardening and was a sharp dresser. She truly enjoyed all of the blessings of being a grandmother as her world revolved around them. She provided them with encouragement and love. She never missed any activity they had and she loved playing Scrabble and having Red Box movie nights with them. She was an avid football fan of the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys and you could “always” find her enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Catherine is preceded in death by her father Reverend Calvin Stuart Flanagan, Sr., her mother Christine Ann Flanagan, her grandmother Pearl Flanagan Dabner; her brother Elder Calvin Stuart Flanagan, Jr. also known as “Skip” and niece Mary Christina Flanagan.

Catherine leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Angela Marie Bedford and son-in-law Demosonine Laroy Bedford; 2 grandchildren who will deeply miss their “Nano”, Brandon Laroy Bedford and Kennadi Elizabeth Bedford; her loving siblings Christine Frances Hummons (Orritt), Lillian Ellen Flanagan and Wilbur Nathan Flanagan “Chip” (Rosalind); Sister-in-law; LaDrene Yvonne Flanagan. Nephews: Calvin Stuart Flanagan, III and Miguel Coles; Nieces: Heather Denise Hummons, April Renee Hummons, Danielle McGee, Felicia Whitehead, Wilnesha Booker, Wilneka Booker and a host of other relatives and friends.

If you wish to honor Catherine, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation at pkdcure.org or the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org/donate.

A private Memorial Celebration of Life service will be held in Chicago, Illinois.

Ma,

I thank YOU for teaching me how to be strong.

I thank YOU for teaching me how to love.

I thank YOU for teaching me how to forgive.

I thank YOU for allowing me to be “your” final rock.

Letting YOU go was the hardest lesson…

But I take comfort in knowing you are eternally in the Lord’s hands now.

I Love you

Angie (daughter)

“For your services here on Earth I just wanted to say…job Well done”