November 19, 1930 my Lord presented us with a precious gift. Her name was Florence Manilla Griffin, born to Annie Lee and Elijah. She came here fighting for her rightful place on this earth. It was a sign she would learn how to fight the good fight of faith. The lesson started early in Florence’s life when she came down with rheumatic fever at a young age and was told she would not see her 6th birthday. But God said it was not time yet. Florence did not take her life for granted, so after hearing a sermon at a young age, her confession was she wanted her soul to be saved. She knew God ‘s step orders would permeate even through the bad decisions by warning her to run away quickly and get back to a safe place.
While playing for the Sunday school at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, Florence saw and met the love of her life Rev. Nathaniel Washington. They met on the first of March 1951 and were married on the 31st of March 1951. Their lives had begun a new journey and born to them were two daughters Ruth Elizabeth and Virginia Lee. Florence had Addie Louise Simmons through a prior marriage. Nathaniel had a son Rev. Earnest Washington.
Again, Florence was challenged to fight when we were told she had breast cancer, but she beat the odds. Then in 2005, we were told that she had multiple myeloma cancer. The fight knocked her down but not out even when her doctor did not believe she was going make it. Though Florence was partially paralyzed, she cherished every day, knowing it was truly a gift from God. Her words of wisdom were to learn to pray, trust God, and he will tell you what to do, but it is up to you to apply it.
Florence memory became foggy over time, and some dates were forgotten but never God's word. Nathaniel and Addie have gone on before her to prepare the way. He waits for his beloved to join him, and as she waits for her mother. Florence health quickly began to deteriorate, and her cries rang out; she was ready to return. God knows the appointed time, and she slipped away while at the doctor’s office on August 17, 2020.
We know Florence is alive and well just at a different location with her Lord and her honey. We know there is a place being prepared for our reunion, but we must finish our work assignments. Our moments with her are written in our hearts as we gather. Florence has left for her loved ones to carry the lighted torch. It has been passed to her daughters Ruth Lewis, Virginia Jones, and Addie Simmons (deceased); Angela Arnold (granddaughter); Rev. Earnest Washington Sr. (stepson); grandchildren- Karen Ann Brown, Janice Smith, Joyce Yancy, Earnest Jr. and Carol, Rev. Kelvin and LaWanda, Min. Ramona West and Rev. Lindsey West, Rev. Charles and Linda, Cheryl Washington, Ethel and Ronald Augustine; 27 great-grandchildren and 27 great-great-grandchildren. Valrie Washington (brother-in-law deceased), Mamie Livaudais (sister-in-law deceased), and Rev. Valerie Washington (niece).
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