Mary Frances Flynn

Mary Frances O’Briant Flynn, known fondly as Mary Frances or “MOF” died in Lexington, KY surrounded by those who loved her and with her daughter Cathy constantly by her side. Mary Frances was born in Durham, North Carolina, the daughter of Herbert and Fannie Lee O’ Briant and she was the older sister of Shirley O’Briant Wheeler (all of whom predeceased her). Mary Frances graduated from Duke University as a registered nurse. At Duke, she met Charles Shirey Flynn, who also graduated from Duke University medical school. They married in Durham on June 24, 1944. She remained a lifetime, avid Duke basketball fan even after moving into the heart of Kentucky wildcat territory. We are sure she would like to thank Coach K for letting her see the Blue Devils win five national championships. Mary Frances and Dr. Charlie moved to Bluefield, where Dr. Charlie had a long, well-respected OBGYN practice. Mary Frances worked in the office with him for many years until he retired. Mary Frances loved Bluefield and all of her beloved friends there. She was an avid bridge player, hosting bridge parties (as long as it was not duplicate) and an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. After Dr. Charlie’s death in 1995, she continued to remain active in the community with the Church and her investment club. She was known for her North Carolina accent and manners. Mary Frances was always gracious and the consummate hostess, no guest was ever without an offer of food or a cold drink (and the drink always included a cocktail napkin, because one must never let a guest have cold fingers). Mary Frances is survived by her daughter, Cathy (Naumann), and her son-in-law Hans, and by her son Charles and daughter-in-law Pam; four grandchildren Mary Beth Naumann (Kevin Compton), Erich Naumann (Brittany), Christi (Flynn) Bird (Brad), and Chuck Flynn (Megan); six great grandchildren Adrienne and Harrison Shields, Christian and Carter Naumann, Avery and Delaney Flynn; and her nieces Cindy Wheeler, Patsy McCowan, Beth Board, Lynn Smith, and nephew Al Wheeler. Her family would like to thank her neighbors at Three Springs and everyone at Glenwood Park in Princeton, Mayfair Village in Lexington, and at Central Baptist for how much they loved and cared for her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bluegrass Hospice Care Unit at Baptist Health Lexington, 2312 Alexandria Drive, Lexington, KY 40504, in memory of Mary Frances. We are so grateful to have had her presence in our lives for so long. She lived life as it should be. Fully. Graciously. With humor. And with love. A service to honor Mary Frances will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2005 Washington Street, Bluefield, WV 24705 on February 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

Mary Frances Flynn

November 20, 1922 - January 28, 2018