Mrs. Katie Leigh Flanagan, age 46, of Jackson, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Katie was born on Monday, October 15, 1979, in Lancaster, California. She was preceded in death by her father, Darrel Lee Kimball.

Katie was born outgoing and creative, traits that followed her into adulthood. She graduated from Murray State College in 1999 with a degree in engineering, which she utilized working for Georgia Power as a drafter. After half a dozen years there, she went back to school, this time at Griffin Technical College, and earned her Master Cosmetologist Certification. Her real estate license followed some years later.

On October 1st 2005 Katie married her true other half: Barry Flanagan. Along with Barry came her first son Paden and, in 2007, Heath, their youngest. Katie lived for her boys and her family. She had a close relationship with all her nieces and nephews starting with her “Kierbear”, first born of the group, all the way down to her “littles”, which are the youngest two and who lovingly referred to her as Auntie Cake. Friends of Katie‘s were blessed to be counted as family too; her family was made by love, not blood. Wherever she went she made people feel welcome and comfortable to be themselves and she loved them simply for who they were.

Katie was more than a ray of sunshine - she was the entire rainbow, and our world will be forever lesser without her in it.

Katie is survived by her loving husband, Barry Flannagan; sons, Paden Flanagan, Heath Flanagan; mother, Debbie Kimball; sister, Amanda McCann; brother and sister-in-law, Adam and Kelly Kimball; sister-in-love and brother-in-love, Shari and Tommy Flanagan, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and loving friends.

The family invites you to join them in celebrating Katie’s life on Saturday, August 8 at 2 PM at Stark Methodist Church, 1097 Halls Bridge Road, Jackson, Georgia 30233. They ask that you wear rainbows, orange, and/or bright colors as they were Katie‘s favorite.

Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.westburyfuneralhomes.com.

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 East College Street, Jackson, GA, is serving the Flanagan family.