Betty Jean Flanagan-Crosby

July 21, 1933 - December 22, 2017

Betty Jean Flanigan-Crosby was born July 21, 1933, to Herman and Alverta Grooms in Mallory, West Virginia. She received her primary education in West Virginia. Her thirst for knowledge and self improvement led her to continue her education attending Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. She was employed with the State of Illinois where she worked for over 20 years, and retired in July 2003. During her retirement, Betty enjoyed spending time with her husband Eugene Crosby aka Papps. Betty was blessed with four children Michael, Tondalynn, Nathan aka Nicky and Charles aka Chuck. She loved her family and proved to be the capable wife of Proverbs 31. What stood out about Betty was her love of family. She was a loving but firm mother and grandmother who made each grandchild feel like they were her favorite. Her love of God was evidenced by the way she lived her life. She attended Living Word Ministries under the pastorage of Rev. Bill Winston. Her faith was increased by her steady feeding on the scriptures and Church television ministries. Betty’s favorite scripture was Mark 10:27, “looking straight at them, Jesus said: “With man it is impossible but not so with God, for all things are possible with God.” She believed this passage with all her heart. She frequented restaurants, tried new dishes and shared meals with family and friends. Her strong outgoing personality and quiet and mild spirit caused people to love to be around her. On December 22, 2017, Betty Jean Flanigan-Crosby heard her Lord and master say, “Well done my good and faithful servant”, and closed her eyes and took her rest. She was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Alverta Grooms, sisters Geraldine Washington and Alice Ford, son Nathan Lemuel Jordan Jr., grandson Charod Flanigan, granddaughter Chemise Grooms, nephew Rev. Dr. Gregory A. Grooms Jr., and husband Rev. Eugene Crosby. Betty’s life will be celebrated by her family: children Michael (Renee) Grooms, Tondalynn (Arthur) Pegram, and Charles (Makeba) Flanigan Jr.; grandchildren Christopher (Olga), Cameron, Candice (Eduardo), Chavares aka Chip, Chamar; great grandchildren Dominique, Christina Apple, Daryll, and Trice; sister Ida Grooms; niece Yolonda Grooms-Garrett; nephew Richard Grooms; other nieces, nephews, cousins and host of family and friends too numerous to mention.