Flora Belle Williams

Flora Belle Friday Williams was born on January 15, 1935 in Cleveland County, North Carolina. She was the fourth child born to Henry and Edna Reubin Friday. She spent her formative years in Cleveland County and Mobile AL before permanently leaving the south. She made her new home in Yonkers, New York.

Flora Belle met and married Amos Anesta Williams. To this union five children were born- Linda Anesta Williams, Amos Norman Williams, Peter Robert “Bug” Williams, Martha Jane Williams and Preston Samuel Williams. Flora Belle later met and made a life with Nelson Herring. Their union welcomed four more children- Richard Nelson “Ben” Herring, Sally Marie “Missy” Herring, Cleveland Lee “Punchy” Herring and Ruth Ann Herring.

Flora Belle worked briefly in a local dry cleaner before devoting her life to caring for children. In addition to her own nine, Flora Belle cared for a plethora of children providing childcare for infants, toddlers and afterschoolers. In her quiet time, Flora Belle loved to knit and crochet. She made beautiful hats, scarves, sweaters and blankets for lots of loved ones. She was an avid walker known to be spotted all over Yonkers, you could find her in places you’d least expect. Florabelle also loved puzzles, jigsaw and crossword were her favorites and she always had tons of them around. She was a huge dog lover and had many beloved pets over the years. Flora Belle loved her slot machines and in younger years was crucial to many successful Atlantic City Bus rides. A lover of family and community, her big heart and generous spirit meant her door was always open to family and friends alike.

Flora Belle was a member of the Universal Hagar’s Spiritual Church Association for more than 50 years. She was President of the Usher Board and a member of the Willing Workers and Pastor’s Aide of Temple No. 6 in Yonkers, NY. Flora Belle was later appointed Church Mother of Temple No. 4 in Paterson, NJ. She was also a student of the Hagar’s School of Mediumship and Psychology.

Flora Belle slipped away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. She leaves her children Linda, Preston (Natalie), Missy and Ruth (Antoinette); 21 grandchildren, 20 great- grandchildren, 3 great great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends to cherish her memory.

She now joins her partner, Nelson; children, Cleveland Lee, Richard, Jane, Amos and Peter; grandson Jason, granddaughter Lisa, her siblings and parents in the sweet beyond.

Visiting hours for Flora will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, 2 Saw Mill River Rd, Yonkers, NY 10701.