Anita M. Flanagan of Lowell
Anita M. (Watkins) Flanagan, age 86, of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the New England Home for the Deaf in Danvers, MA.
Born in Tampa, Florida, Anita was the beloved daughter of the late James and Lucile (Barnett) Watkins. She graduated from The Charter School for the Deaf in Florida. Anita and Andrew Wilson met in Florida, and she later served at the U.S. Navy Base in Tampa as part of her career.
In 1979, Anita moved to Lowell, where she married Charles Flanagan, a World War II veteran, who predeceased her in 2008. Together, they created a warm and loving home in Lowell, celebrating many holidays surrounded by family and close friends.
Anita worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Lowell and was known for her dedication to helping others. She enjoyed sewing, styling hair, and volunteering as a caretaker for the blind. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Anita is survived by her oldest daughter, Annette Johnson, of Milford, NH; her daughter, Jeanette Arrington, of Lowell; her daughter, Marylen Wilson, of Nashua, NH; and her son, Danny Wilson, and his wife Jennifer, of Lowell. She also leaves behind her brothers, Henry Thomas and Louis Watkins, both of South Carolina.
Her grandchildren include:
- From Annette Johnson: Joshua Edmond Pottle (married to Sarah Pottle, New Hampshire) and Corey Todd Pottle (Dracut, MA).
- From Jeanette Arrington: Juanita Glynn (Dracut, MA), Christopher Wilson (Lawrence, MA), and Larry Devon Wilson (Lowell, MA).
- From Marylen Wilson: Marcus Wilson (Lowell, MA), Alfonzo Wilson (married to Sueheylee Wilson, Lowell, MA), and Darren Wilson (Tampa, FL).
- From Danny Wilson: Kiyanashevea Monae Brown (Virginia), Chantavia M. Harris (married to Isom Harris, Lowell, MA), Kinesha Earlene Johnson (married to Willie Earl Johnson, Suffolk, VA), Laney Wilson (Virginia), and Justina Wilson (Lowell, MA).
Anita is also survived by a large and cherished group of great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy and warmth to her life.
Anita was predeceased by her brothers Troy Thomas, James Watkins, and Rickey Thomas.
Funeral Notice
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 PM at Morse-Bayliss Funeral Home, 122 Princeton Blvd, Lowell, MA 01851.
Burial will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 1:45 PM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave, Bourne, MA 02532. Guests are kindly asked to arrive between 1:15 PM and 1:30 PM at the cemetery office to line up for committal prayers.