In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Flenory

Barbara Ann Flenory, 80, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025. Born on November 21, 1944, in Talladega, Alabama, to Albert “AB” Flenory and Vida Mae Clarke, Barbara’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and community.

As the youngest girl in a family of four, she was loved by her baby brother, Johnny Clarke, and her two older sisters, Geraldine Flenory and Gussie Flenory. She received her formal education in the Talladega Public School System, where she earned her high school diploma. In 1966, at the age of 22, she courageously moved from Talladega to Milwaukee with her two eldest sons, Christopher “Man” and Craig “Punkin,” in tow. In Milwaukee, she obtained her certification as a Nursing Assistant from Milwaukee Area Technical College and took great pride in her many years of work in the healthcare field.

As the first in several generations to embark on this journey, she laid the foundation for a legacy of strength and determination. In Milwaukee, she built a close-knit community with her sister Gussie, her nephew James “Squeaky,” her cousins Mary and Carrie, and her close friends Cassandra Shaw, Mary Jordan, Deborah Johnson, and Thelma Jones. Gatherings with friends and family, especially around the holidays, were always special to Barbara. Her home was filled with the warmth of family, laughter, and the mouthwatering aroma of her family-famous dressing.

Barbara’s life was marked by trials, but her faith in God and her tenacious spirit saw her through every challenge. She dedicated her life to Christ in 1979 and often shared the powerful testimony of how she was instantly delivered from smoking after one heartfelt prayer. Her faith became the cornerstone of her life, and she devoted much of her time to street ministry, spreading the word of God and offering hope to those in need. She expressed her love for God through singing praise and worship songs and showed her faith when she started calling her son Craig “Evangelist” after having a dream that he was ministering to a room full of people.

Barbara’s creativity and zest for life were part of what made her unique. She was an avid thrift shopper, and if you went to a thrift store with her, you had to be prepared to stay for hours. She dreamed of opening a restaurant called Mama ‘Nems with her cousin Carrie to showcase their culinary talents. Her love of music, singing, word games, and country tunes brought her happiness. She had many creative ideas for inventions and even designed a logo for a merchandise line called “Forgiven,” reflecting her profound faith and the fact that she was indeed-FORGIVEN!.

A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great- grandmother, Barbara’s family was her pride and joy. She is survived by her children: Christopher Flenory (Beth), Craig “Evangelist” Flenory, Randall “Pete” Flenory, David Flenory, and Malaika Osei; her grandchildren: Christopher Flenory Jr., Morgan Flenory, Carmen Flenory, Pierre Thompson-Flenory, Marquese James-Flenory, Destini Rogers-Flenory, Craig Flenory Jr., Brandon Harris-Flenory, Malika Flenory, Khalicia Harris-Flenory, Emalydia Flenory, Alexandria Flenory, and Justice Osei; 21 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Barbara also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, and her close friends Mary Jordan, Deborah Johnson, and Thelma Jones, who cherished her deeply.

She was predeceased by her parents, Albert “AB” Flenory and Vida Mae Clarke; her sisters, Geraldine Flenory and Gussie Flenory; her brother, Johnny Clarke; her beloved nephew, James “Squeaky” Flenory; and her cherished cousins, Mary Oden and Carrie Jones.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on January 27, 2025, at Embassy Center MKE, 3725 North Sherman Boulevard, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Visitation at 10:00 AM; Service at 11:00 AM.