Cheryl E. Flanagan

Nashville, TN December 16, 1958- San Antonio, TX April 4, 2014

"Never give up, never never. . ." - Winston Churchill and Cheryl Flanagan

Cheryl Elise Flanagan came into the world loved and left it, much loved, by many who were touched by her kindness, generosity and personal courage. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, stepmother, friend and partner to her family members of both birth and choice. Cheryl was as constant a friend as anyone ever has known. At work and in her personal life, she led by her example of stewardship, dependability, professionalism, quality craftsmanship, adaptability through significant changes and, most importantly, enormous determination and courage.

Cheryl served her country honorably in the United States Air Force. When she entered the private sector, she placed her heart in the credit union movement, and began working at San Antonio Federal Credit Union (SACU) in October 1987. Cheryl brought to SACU tremendous and varied personal and career experiences. She began in the Education Loans department, serving briefly in the Training Department, and then returning to Education Lending in 1992 to manage the unit's compliance, then to serve as manager. In 1994, she was promoted to Assistant Vice President and to Vice President in 1996, then to First Vice President in 1997.

Cheryl worked with the Retail Delivery Services' new business strategy and supported senior leader Knox Pitts. In the year 2000, following service on a project team to ensure that SACU was ready for Y2K, Cheryl became Marketing Department Director, where she served for 11 years, and was promoted to Senior Vice President. She was a familiar SACU ambassador and a "public face" for SACU in the community. In 2011, Cheryl joined the Human Investment Group as the Financial Learning Manager. She retired from SACU after more than 26 years as a valued employee and contributor. Cheryl was a true gift to SACU.

Cheryl was known by her friends as having a deep, abiding love for Tarci's juicy cheeseburgers and karaoke. She was a huge spirit, embodied in a petite person. She also moved like a whirling dervish, with energy that was unbounded. She also was a fighter. It was Cheryl's character to press forward with determination and tenacity, no matter how steep the hill or how formidable the obstacles. In the words of Winston Churchill, "Never give up, never never. . ." and Cheryl took that to heart, throughout her life. She was always more concerned about everyone else's well-being, even when she was undergoing rigorous medical treatments. Cheryl was our Rock, and her courage and strength inspired many through the way she lived her life.

Cheryl is survived by her son, Joshua Mann and two granddaughters; her stepsons Carlton Flanagan and Michael Flanagan; her mother Lorene Anderson and stepfather Don Anderson; her brother Timmy Hedgecoth and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by dear friends Marsha and Robby Lloyd and godson Stephen Ramos and her long-time companion Jerry Tiger, who was by her side constantly through her long medical journey.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 7, 2014 from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Porter Loring North.

SERVICE

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014

9:00 A.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Chaplain Dexter Brown will officiate. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11A.M.

Anyone wanting to make memorial donations on behalf of Cheryl, she requests they be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Cheryl will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her for her genuine warmth, unwavering loyalty, gentle fortitude and ever-present cheerfulness. We love you, Cheryl!