Florence Doris Hulcombe

On the afternoon of July 6, 2014 at the exquisite age of 85 years old, Florence D. Hulcombe peacefully passed on to be with her Lord and Savior at home in Miami, Florida with her daughter, Lorraine Lezama at her bedside. Florence spent the last eight years under the precious love and care of her family to include son, daughter, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren.

Florence Doris Hulcombe was born on May 7, 1929 in The District of Panama, Republic of Panama. She was the second child, and the first daughter, of Ambrozine McCarthy and Harry Hulcombe.

In her mid-thirties, Florence immigrated to the United States of America and became a permanent resident in 1957 and a United States Citizen in 1963. She is known and respected for her ability to find the brightest cloud and sunshine in the most adverse of moments. She had many witty proses of inspiration, hope and motivation. She “never saw road too rugged, hill too steep nor mountain too insurmountable.” She believed that “faith” and trust in God’s wisdom could foster the courage to persevere through the struggle and achieve beyond one’s wildest imagination. She was a prolific writer and a captivating orator. Her words could move people with a sweet harmonious flow or bitter wit to catch your attention. She always made one think.

Florence had a career in which she exhibited her dedication to others as she owned and operated a floral home-business, served as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in numerous hospitals and nursing homes in Brooklyn, New York and Orlando, Florida. True retirement was delayed to follow her passion for children as she served as a pre-school/kindergarten teacher and daycare provider in Orlando, Florida.

Florence was a Seventh Day Adventist by faith and was an active member at both Hanson Place Seventh Day Adventist Church in Brooklyn, New York and North Orlando Seventh Day Adventist Church in Orlando, Florida. While serving as a youth leader in the SDA Pathfinder and Adventurer Programs at North Orlando Seventh Day Adventist Church, she earned the rank of Master Guide and Adventure Leader. The youth that she interacted with on a frequent basis, always considered her a passionate mentor and loving “church-mother” to all. Countless family members and children were touched and remember to this day when she would say, “If wisdom’s ways one wisely seeks, five things you do with care…to whom you speak, of whom you speak, how, when and where.”

Florence had a passionate love for music, especially gospel music. She enjoyed hymns of praise and worship to include, Amazing Grace and Handel’s Messiah. She found solace in the lyrics: “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. When this flesh and heart shall fail and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the vail, a life of joy and peace.” Florence was a gifted artist with many talents, to include creating tailor made dresses, handmade custom dolls with ceremonial gowns, and unique floral arrangements that could turn one’s personal vision into a reality.

Florence was predeceased by her mother Ambrozine McCarthy and father Harry Hulcombe; husband Lionel Gilkes; brother James Hulcombe, sister Cynthia Holder; daughters Amalia and Andrea Gordon; grandson Andrew Gordon, grandniece Nicole Douglas; cousin, Joseph Byron Perry.

Florence is survived by: two children, Lorraine Lezama and Michael Ansarra; six grandchildren, Demetrius Zambrencia, Xernona Lezama, Nadia Haughton, Naasson Lezama, Ryan Ansarra, and Mikala Ansarra; twelve great-grandchildren, Christina Gordon-Fontaine, Chanelle Haughton, Raina Butler-Zambrencia, Jeona Pinnock, Tyrion Gordon, Kamarah Cameron-Lezama, Elijah Zambrencia, Daniel (DJ) Pinnock, Roman Zambrencia, Nazir Gordon, Sebastian Rios-Lezama, and Myles Whyte.

Florence is also survived by: nephew, Raymond Searles; nieces, Delcia Holder and Belinda Holder; and a host of grand, great grand and great great-grand nieces and nephews thorough out the United States.

Moment of Reflection at 11:00 am and Memorial Services to follow immediately after will be held, Monday, July 14, 2014 at Memorial Plan Kendall, 7355 SW 117 Avenue, Miami Florida, 33183. Interment will be at Memorial Cemetery at 14200 SW 117 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33186 at 12:00 pm.

The family requests that instead of flower offerings; please consider making a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the all friends and family that expressed their love, care, and generosity during Florence D. Hulcombe’s final chapter of her exquisite life. We also wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the VITAS Hospice staff, Catherine Lake, Shameka Lapompe, Cynthia Lezama TMG and Hospice Aides of Team 107 for their personal and loving of care.