Her laugh was infectious. She had a way to turn the most complex chemistry problems into something her students could understand. Her colleagues viewed her as a beacon of knowledge, so much so they didn't even have to consult their books but just ask her.
Now, the school where she spent more than 50 years of her life before passing away in 2014 is giving back the best way it can.
The Dorothy K. Flanagan Science and Business Wing was dedicated at North Augusta High School. Principal John Murphy said the building will serve as a model for the rest of the school. The building has nine science classrooms, seven business labs and a multipurpose room.
"It's unbelievable," Mary Southern, Flanagan's daughter, said after listening to more than 20 minutes of stories, memories and "Flanny-isms."
Stephanie Ryan, Flanagan's granddaughter, echoed the sentiment.
"She had an impact on my life, but I think she had an impact on everyone's life around here," she said. "I didn't grow up around here, so I didn't know about all of this."
Flanagan's accolades were numerous - she was a former North Augusta High School Teacher of the Year, she received the Chemistry Award in Teaching from the American Chemical Society, she served as the science department chair for many years, was the Science Club sponsor and the honors/AP chair.
Dr. Beth Everitt, superintendent of Aiken County Public Schools, said the new wing is a place for students and staff to learn and explore.
"It's a place to grow, a place to develop lifelong friends and a place to build lasting memories," she said. "This is just a taste of what all of North Augusta High School will look like in the coming years. Generations of students will walk these halls and be proud to call themselves a Yellow Jacket."
Retired North Augusta High School Principal Jim Martin worked with Flanagan for nine years.
"She was a very special lady, and an extraordinary teacher," he said.
Martin said many students asked for Flanagan to be their teacher. She made chemistry fun for students, and many said she prepared them so well for college they had to simply refer to notes from her class.
Betsy Luquire worked next door to Flanagan for many years.
Now a teacher at Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, she said Flanagan was a woman who loved God, her family and her students - in that order.
"My love and respect grew for her daily," she said. "I lost my own mother when I was 20, so she was kind of like a mother figure to me."
