A special gift was so heavenly created to foster and nurture her children throughout their lives. She so generously shared her time, energy, and talents with each of her children and family members, and reared them to express their individuality.

Florence Elizabeth Ford, affectionately known as "Big Mama," was a delightful joy to Willie and Queen Elizabeth Thomas. As a second-generation Elizabeth, Florence was born on January 27, 1927, along with her twin brother Willie James, and three other siblings. Traditionally, Florence attended Booker High School and furthered her education by attending Apex College, in Atlanta, GA., with a focus in Cosmetology. With entrepreneurial aspirations, she and her sister, Dorothy, worked on the front porch of the family house, which was built in 1920. Their business blossomed and attracted many local residents. Florence's world revolved around her late husband, Adair James Ford, and her children. They established a foundation of multiple businesses and provided the best for them all.

Florence Elizabeth was affiliated with the Cosmetologist Group, which directly reported to the erstwhile Orange Blossom Cosmetologist Association (OBCA), which was headquartered in Tampa, Florida. She devoted her time as a member and organized the Education department. For many years, she and other stylists in the state convened annually. Their goal was to educate new and existing members on the latest technological applications as well as introduce the younger generations to the industry.

Florence Elizabeth was baptized at an early age and became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. As an adult, she selflessly accepted the Church Treasurer position at the church. She and her late husband devoted their time to supporting several ministries in Bethlehem. Aside from children, church, and her work duties, her life was solely dedicated to all three and nothing else.

Her parents, Wille and Queen Elizabeth, brothers, Howard, twin Willie James, Donald, only sister, Dorothy, and daughter, Connie Elizabeth Maultsby, preceded her in death.

Florence Elizabeth's memories will be cherished by her children, son, Carl E. Maultsby and daughter, Sherrina Y. Ford, of Tampa, FL. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren, Samuel L. Wright, Jr. and Samaria Elizabeth Wright of Tampa, FL; Duane Maultsby of Tampa, FL; a great-granddaughter, Diamond Maultsby; a great-great-grandson Kai Maultsby of Tampa, Fl., a great grandniece, Darlene Knowles-Woods of Miami, FL.; a Godson, Keith Harvin of Leesburg, FL.; Sister-in Laws, Rosie Margaret Anderson of Chicago, Illinois, Novella Thomas of Miami, FL; Nephews, Jerry L. Marshall Jr. of Tampa, FL, Jimmy Thomas of Miami, FL, Theodore (Sherry) Thomas of Atlanta, GA, Vincent R. (Yvette) Thomas of Sarasota, FL., Howard Thomas of Tallavast, FL.; Nieces, Betty Thomas, Zelda Bryant of Sarasota, FL., Deryl Thomas of Tampa, FL, Regina (Timothy) Boyd of Atlanta, GA., and a host of other nieces and nephews in Alabama, California and Illinois, and friends.

The Viewing will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Bible Church. Immediately following the Viewing, Homegoing Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. at 1680 18th Street, Sarasota, FL., 34234 with the Entombment at The Palm Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.