Elder Oren Henry Flynn, lll

We sadly announce the passing of our beloved, Oren Flynn III, who passed peacefully at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center surrounded by his wife and all of his children on February 1, 2025.

He was born on September 18, 1938, in Wardell, MO, to Mary Elizabeth and Oren Flynn, II. He was the 5th child of fourth brothers (Hosea, Fred, Otis, & Carl) and two sisters (Gertrude and Mary).

Oren moved to St. Louis, MO, with his father and brother Carl in 1952 after the death of his mother. He attended Sumner High School, the largest all black high school in St. Loius. In 1957, he graduated from Sumner high school as suma cum laud. He then joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for five years and also attended Mott Community College. When he started his career in banking, he was the first black man to work for Michigan National Bank in Flint, MI. He married his beloved wife, Phyllis Johnson, in 1969. They started a family right away and raised nine children together.

He later transitioned to Citizens Bank as a Personnel Director, where he was intentional in hiring black employees, and then General Motors, where he retired as an accountant in the payroll department. He was deeply involved in his community, from unionizing the workplace to tutoring young students, and serving in his church in many capacities, including as an ordained Elder.

His greatest joy and pride were his wife and children. His life’s commitment was to build character in his children, and he prayed daily for God to save all of them.  He spent most of his time after retirement traveling across five states to be present for the births of his grandchildren. Every year, he remembered his children’s wedding anniversaries and birthdays as well as other special moments and would call each one to sing his congratulations. He and Phyllis traveled to be present for baby dedications, preschool graduations, recitals, high school graduations, college graduations, and many other special occasions that involved his children and grandchildren. He cooked and cared for daughters on bed rest, took newborns on walks, and sang personalized melodies to put them to sleep. He cherished each new life that entered this world and laughed and played with his grandkids until the end. At the ripe age of 80, he campaigned in three large counties in Florida, knocking hundreds of doors and shaking hands for one of his daughters who ran for a state office.

He loved his wife Phyllis for 55 beautiful years. They did almost everything together, and during his final days, she was the only one who could stabilize his heart rate with just her touch.

He was a great friend and was well known for his stories, warm smile, and welcoming nature. He never knew a stranger. Many will recall his laugh, smile, or colorful stories, but most of all, he will be remembered for the way he loved God, his family, and his unwavering faith. His passing was preceded by his mother Mary, his father, Oren, his daughter Charity, his brothers Hosea and Otis, and his sister Gertrude.

He leaves behind nine children, 22 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. During his final hours, all nine of his children, alongside his wife, shared in his last communion at his bedside and sang his favorite songs. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Flynn, and their children, Karen Flynn, and her children Dyonte, Kharan, and Zaria. Timothy and Muchanetta Flynn, and children, Aria, Sarah, Joshua and Amanda, Teresa and Keith Lewis and their children Keith, Jr., Elyssa, Kyle and Nicole, Oren Flynn, III and Karissa Flynn, and children, Jordyn and Oren Isaiah, Jethro and Melissa Flynn, their children Jelissa and Reuel. Joy and Robert Gibson, their children Kadin, Caleb, Saniah, Eden, and Zane. Faith and Napoleon Harrington, their children Isabella and Imani, Lois Flynn and Joshua Flynn. His legacy of love and faith, as well as many unique qualities, lives on in each of them as God could not possibly create another human with so many great qualities.

He also leaves behind his siblings, brother Carl Flynn and Fred Flynn, as well as his youngest sister, Mary Walker, and many cherished friends who are like family.