Martrella “Marty” Flanagan, 77, a native of Chattanooga and life-long resident of Rochester, New York, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2020, in San Bernardino, Ca. He was born on August 7, 1942 in Bogart, Ga.
Marty was a 1961 graduate of Howard High School in Chattanooga. He served in the Army and was stationed in Korea. After returning home he was employed by Southern Railroad. He received his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Syracuse University and in1994 earned his Master’s degree in Community Psychology at Springfield College in Springfield, MA.
As a former teacher for JOBSplus at Onondaga Community College, in Syracuse, NY, he taught job readiness, interviewing skills and techniques. He truly enjoyed his work and was admired by many of his students.
As an avid Harley rider, Marty was a member of the Harley Owners Group and for many years he and his wife traveled across the country on his Harley. Marty’s other interests included watching old westerns and action thriller movies, reading mystery books, spending time in the yard gardening and landscaping.
He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church, Chattanooga. He was also one of the co-founders of Rhema Life Community Church in Rochester, NY.
Marty was preceded in death by his sister, Cornelia Flanagan; daughter, Diantha Flanagan; father, Quincy Flanagan; mother, Louise Flanagan.
Marty leaves behind his wife, Brenda Benton Flanagan of 36 years and his children, Candice, Victor, Marcus, Tremayne (Sherry), and Doncella “Donnie”; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his siblings; James and Nathaniel Flanagan of Chattanooga, Patricia (Guy) Wade of Evans, Ga., Gloria (Calvin) Walker of Chattanooga, Larry (Lenora) of Atlanta, Bernice (Frank) Davis of Ooltewah, Brenda (Michael) Cooper of Chatsworth, Ga., and Wonda (Edward) Jackson of Chattanooga.
A private memorial service will be held on Sept. 5, at Booker T. Washington State Park in Chattanooga.
Courtesy announcement is by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.