Florence Ford Obituary in Sarasota at Jones Funeral Home

Obituary For Florence Ford

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.

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Regina Boyd sent Celestial Love for Florence Ford - March 01, 2024

To, Carl, Sherrina and family. Our love and prayers are with you all.
The nephews and nieces of Florence Ford.
The Thomas Family

Send flowers for Florence Ford

To the Sherrina Ford & Maultsby family, on behalf of the Anderson family we send you our sincere condolences on the transition of Aunt Florence. We will keep you and the family in our prayers. ~~~Tuwania & The Chicago Family

Sending our condolences to the family of Aunt Florence. Aunt Florence always had a beautiful smile on her face whenever she would be in our presence. Praying that God give each of you the strength that you need during this time. God will not leave you nor forsake you. Love, Willa and Kecia Lambert- Hsv. Al

Sherrina, Carl, Grandchildren, and Great Grandchild, Cousin Phil and family from Huntsville, Al send you our heartfelt love, prayers, and condolence in the season of sorrow. We shall always remember Aunt Florence as a woman fill with grace, class, and elegance! We give God thanks for 97 years that he blessed her to be a blessing to others. Love you all! Phil, Phillip, and Bianca

I miss mother ford especially on 2 & 3rd Sundays, which were ushers and chiors union 'back in the day '.she was dutiful in her service for GOD. I will one of my many moms. May GOD bless the family with his peace. St. John 14chpt. Love bro. mack and family.

She was a beautiful soul R.I.P. Queen !

My sincere condolences to the family of Florence Ford. May she rest in peace. Sending prayers to Sherrina and Carl. May you be blessed for how you cared for your mom. Lisa Woodard

To the Ford & Maultsby families, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Praying for your healing, comfort, strength and peace during this painful time. Brenda & Aunt Margaret.

Sending prayers and strength to the family

Sending prayers and strength to the family.

My grandmother was a special woman. We shared so much throughout the years, and I will forever remember her remarkable life. Sending heartfelt prayers to my mother, Sherrina Ford, and uncle, Carl Maultsby. Soar High with God, "Big Mama"!