Florence E Durst

October 5, 2027 – October 31, 2023

Florence Emma Wells was born October 5, 1927, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to James E. Wells and Adeline K. Wells. She lived on a small farm in Hartford, Ohio, with her parents and younger brother James H. Wells. Florence was interested in music and learned to play the piano during elementary school. She began playing piano at the Hartford Community Church and played the snare drum in the High School Band. She graduated from High School in 1945 and immediately started music education studies at Youngstown State College. She graduated from the Dana School of Music with a degree in Music Education in 1948.

Florence taught Junior High School music/chorus classes from 1948 – 1955. Mutual friends introduced Florence to Loren “Dan” Durst on a blind date. After an active courtship they were married on June 14, 1952. They purchased property in Vienna, Ohio, where Dan, with the help of family members, built the family home. Florence directed the choir at Vienna Methodist Church. The family grew as Lynn Joyce was born in 1955, Jacqueline Louise in 1956 and Danette June in 1959. Florence enjoyed being a mother and homemaker, along with choir director.

The family moved to Hialeah/Miami Lakes, Florida in 1965 when Dan was transferred to a different office. The family were charter members of the Miami Lakes Methodist Church where Florence directed choir and played piano. She also began substitute teaching on a regular basis during the statewide teachers’ strike. Danette June passed away July 15, 1970, due to meningitis.

The family followed through on plans to move to Longwood, Florida, in Octobe 1970. The house was built on Tollgate Trail in the Woodlands where Florence lived for over 52 years. As Lynn and Jackie finished high school and college, she actively taught piano lessons to numerous students and continued substitute teaching, primarily at Forest City Elementary School. The family were charter members of Sanlando United Methodist Church, which chartered in 1972. Florence played piano and sang in the choir from the beginning, even holding choir practice in the living room. Over the years Florence held many leadership positions in church, including lay delegate, and almost every position in United Methodist Women. She was also an active leader in Sigma Alpha Iota Alumni Chapter, a national music fraternity, and the ladies Red Hat Society.

Florence was predeceased in death by her husband, Dan, and daughters Jackie and Danette. She is survived by daughter Lynn and husband Jim Ulmer, son-in-law Mark Slusher, grandchildren Randy Slusher, Scott Ulmer (Elyce Jones), Katie Slusher and Becky Ulmer (Brandon Wilson) and great grandchildren Hailey Madison and Henry Wilson.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baldwinfairchildeastaltamonte.com for the Durst family.