Florence was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Cliff Gill; her daughter, Bekki Simmons; her parents, Ed and Lena Rodgers; and her siblings Buck, Nathan, Eva, and Henry. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Welch (Vance); her grandchildren, Matthew Welch (Tabitha), Justin Welch (Britney), and Tiffany Jackson; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Ryder, Hayleigh, Hunter, Dottie, and Levi.
Life was not always easy for Florence, but her love for her family never wavered. After moving a few times, she and Cliff made their home in Eight Mile, Alabama, where they embraced country life—raising their girls, showing horses, and spending time camping together.
When Cliff began driving 18-wheelers, Florence was right there beside him. She never missed a trip, often taking turns driving and sometimes bringing the grandchildren along for the ride.
Together, Florence and Cliff owned and operated a fiberglass shop for over 40 years. When extra help was needed (because Cliff may have ran them off), she stepped in without hesitation—and often enjoyed handling pick-ups and deliveries in her Dodge truck.
Florence found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved dinner outings—especially to a good Chinese buffet, Stagecoach, or Neighbors—and could often be found treasure hunting at local thrift stores. Holidays with family were among her greatest joys, and she made sure her loved ones always knew how much they meant to her.
She had a special place in her heart for animals and was known to care for any that wandered her way. She also dearly loved her dog, Chloe, who stayed faithfully by her side in her final weeks.
Florence enjoyed gardening, filling her home with plants and flowers, and spending time fishing with the boys. She loved the Great Smoky Mountains and never missed a visit to Cades Cove when she had the chance. When she couldn’t travel, she found just as much happiness in the country at the house she grew up in, surrounded by her great-grandchildren.
She had a few lovable quirks—collecting rocks from everywhere she went, insisting on mowing her own yard (even when it frustrated her), and jokingly said, “Don’t ever get old.” She had a sweet tooth for pound cake and pralines—and wasn’t always quick to share. She was also an avid Alabama football fan and had a special appreciation for a car with a strong exhaust.
Florence will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her independence, and most of all, her deep and unwavering love for her family.
Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, Alabama, on April 29, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Florence will be laid to rest at Valhalla Memorial Gardens in Eight Mile, Alabama. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.
