Mrs. Bertice Mae Florence passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
A service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 2:00 pm at St. Thomas Chapel. Visitation will begin at 1:30 pm. Interment: St. Thomas Church Cemetery
Bertice Mae Mathis Florence was the oldest child of seven children born to the late John Frank Sr. and Mozell Russell Mathis on October 29, 1934 in Columbus, GA. She peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
She attended Muscogee County Schools in Columbus, GA and later met Marvin Ferdinand Florence who was in the military and stationed in Fort Benning near Columbus, GA. They married on December 11, 1954 and God blessed this union to celebrate 60 years before Marvin's death in June 2015. She retired from Cone Mills in Greensboro, NC after many years of dedicated service.
In her earlier years, Bertice enjoyed cooking and was well-known for her red velvet cakes and homemade chili. She also loved a good bargain and could not wait for Saturday yard sales. She loved people and could often be heard in conversations calling them suga or young’n. Bertice was a giver and loved putting a smile on someone’s face by handing them a piece of money or sharing a word of encouragement. Her favorite daily activity was playing Mrs. Pacman and doing word search puzzles. She also looked forward to her monthly meetings with the "Sunflower Group” and was one of the charter members.
Bertice was a faithful member of St. Thomas Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church where she served on the Missionary Circle, Usher Board and Senior Choir and was Senior Choir president for many years.
Bertice was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Ferdinand Florence, parents, John Sr. and Mozell Mathis, sister, Myra Nell Williams, one brother, Warren Mathis, two sons, Marvin Daniel Florence and Troy Florence, two daughters-in-law, Yvonne Jennings Florence and Elizabeth Clark Florence and one grandchild, Tomecia Lasaun Florence.
She leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Tommy Florence, Marty Florence, Christopher Florence and daughter, Beverly (Tavis) Neal, sister, Gladys Fortune, brothers, John Mathis, Jr, Felton Mathis and Clifford Mathis, ten grandchildren, Tommy Florence, Tequila (Haywood) Shephard, Tornaia Pinnix, Avery (Latisha) Florence, LaToya (Jamaal) Florence Cowan, Travis Neal, Tevin (Najerie) Neal, Trevor Neal, Shavontae Dickerson and Pete Florence, twelve great-grandchildren, fifteen plus Godchildren and a host of other family and friends.
Professional services are entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.
I'll always miss you Auntie. I know we'll meet again and we'll have endless Family Reunions.. keep energy of happiness and joy around the family Love you and Tell everyone hello...Love Lil Kent.
*as you mourn
Correction made by Davetta
To Beverly and family: Our deepest condolences to you on the passing away of your mother, and my cousin, Bertice. May God bless you and bring you peace as your mourn less, and celebrate more, the life of such a beautiful soul. Love to you all, Davetta Florance-Bristow znd family
Iam Bertice Florences 4th Son.Ive been on earth for 63 yrs,and i have yet to meet someone who loved,and praised the lord with Unwavering Faith like her.One of her Favorite sayings is,.Jesus Christ Is The Answer.How true that insight is.Whenever we would talk on the phone,and when i would come out to visit her,from Iowa,her favorite topic was Always the Lord.She definitely inspired me to surrender to this Eternal Truth.
To the family, I thank GOD and you for allowing me the opportunity to spend the final moments with Ma Bertice. She indeed was my second Mama, she attended my college graduation & so many other accomplishments,events including family funerals. They didn't end with me she was there for my children & grandchild! Ma Bertice left us so peaceful, just like the life she lived. No more pain or tears to cry. As I held her hand for the last time it wasn't cold, it was warm, to touch... maybe her way of saying I may be absent in this body, my spirit will be with you forever. I thanked GOD & Ma Bertice for everything she had done for me & my family. When we would leave each other she would never say goodbye. She would say see you later darling... Today I can't & will never say goodbye.. Ma Bertice I will NEVER STOP LOVING YOU & I WILL SEE YOU LATER IN HEAVEN! PLEASE SAVE ME A SEAT... Robin Whitsett
I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Bertice passing. I was truly shocked, and without words. Such sweet and kind individual, she will be missed. Praying for the family that God will send peace and comfort your way. Dr. Regina Ratliff and family
Mama Bertice, it has been so long since I started calling you Mama, you were a Blesseing to my family. I will truly miss you. Praying for my family. I love you all, Brenda Wilson Liles
We will miss you Aunt Bertice you became my Aunt about 15 years ago when I started going to St. Thomas Chapel Home. We will miss your Smile and the good hugs you would give us. Heaven as gained another Angel. Praying for the children and grands and all of the Florence Family. R.I.P. love you always Amy and Terrill Lowe
Such a sweet soul and always had a hug waiting for me. You will truly be missed. Family, please find comfort in your memories and love for each other.
Carla and Richard Carter
To Beverly and the Florence family. Sending love and greetings to the family during the homegoing of our beloved, Bertice. As many people have already stated, she had a beautiful smile and was a beautiful woman of God both inside and outside. We have not been able to be physically present for our family reunion in October, however I will always remember being glad to see her at that time. May all the love she gave to you be your stronghold during this time! 💜💜to all of our family! Alva Enoch and your family members from Roanoke, VA
Aunt Bertice, we will miss your warm smile, it was a pleasure having you in our lives. RIP, heaven has received another Angel, you will be missed.
Mr.&Mrs. Kenneth A. Florence
Mrs. Bertice will be missed in our neighborhood such a sweet lady, genuine smile. Beverly, Avery and entire family in my thoughts, prayers. Bryan Moore
to the Florence family.. So sorry for your loss. praying for you all. Joyce Brown
Sorry for your loss! Praying 🙏🏾 with and for your for family ! God Bless! Wanda Williams
Praying for family Margie Carter& family
Praying for the Florence Family.
Praying for The Florence Family🙏🏽
To Beverly and entire Florence Family. Sending you my sincere condolence. Bertice was a very lovely person that always carried a sweet welcoming smile. She definitely will be missed in the Shaw Town Community. We know God is always our strength and he is right by your side. Sending you much love. Correne Whitsett
Beverly I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Clarence and Wanda Waddell
Praying for you and your Family 🙏🙏🙏
Sending you my Love. Praying for you and the family.
My prayers go out to you and your family. May God continue to comfort and keep you. Renee' Martin DeBerry
Beverly I am sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this tough time.❤️🙏🏽 Michelle Whitsett Deans
Beverly I am sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this tough time.❤️🙏🏽
Praying for the Florance family.Virgie Morehead
Sorry for your loss Vanstory Baugham Collins Dumas Family
Praying for the Florence family
Our deepest condolences to the Family. We will miss our dear Neighborhood Mother. Praying for comfort during this difficult time. 💯❤️ From Ralph & Joanne Crite (Jr.)
Our deepest condolences to the Family. We will miss our dear Neighborhood Mother. Praying for comfort during this difficult time. 💯❤️
Sending Our Sincerest Condolences To Beverly Neal & The Florence Family. Aunt Bertice Will truly Be Missed She was Such a Sweet Spirit Inside and Out. Family You all are in Our Thoughts & Prayers, Love U All , Andre' & Ava Lane and Family❤️❤️
Praying for and with the family of Mrs Bertice Florence during this time of bereavement ♥️
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