Obituary of Florence Hatcher

Florence Rebecca Taylor Hatcher was born on March 3, 1916, in Cumberland, Virginia. She was born to the parents of James and Octavia Langhorn Taylor. Florence was the 11th child out of 12 children, accordingly, Samuel L. Taylor (Langhorn), Clarence Taylor (Buck), Mary Annie Taylor (Sis. Annie), Martha Helen Taylor, Thomas Taylor, George Taylor, Wallace Taylor, Drexel Clayton Taylor, Willie Blanch Taylor, Frank Taylor, Florence Rebecca Elizabeth Taylor, and Ernest Winston Taylor. All of Florence's siblings preceded her in death as well as two (2) of her grandchildren. Florence was united in Holy Matrimony to William Henry Brown, and out of that union three children were born, William Ernest Brown, (Decease) Minerva Evangeline Brown, and Hattie Rebecca Brown, respectively. Thereafter, she remarried in Holy Matrimony to James (Jimmy) Hatcher who preceded her in death. Florence was a courageous and lovable person to her family and a strong sounding board to all of her friends. She was a determined and strong-willed woman. She was even known as a "tough cookie" to anyone who dared to threaten her family. Florence went beyond her call of duty in serving others. She was one that found it a pleasure to serve others with an out stretch arm of love. At an early age in her life, Florence was exposed to challenges such as the sudden passing of her mother. Around the age of 11, she found herself fulfilling a motherly role to her youngest brother, Winston; therefore, her siblings viewed her as the patriot of the family. Florence was known by many names such as, "Sis," "Gage," "Aunt and Cousin Florence," and "Sister Hatcher." More importantly, God called her "Daughter." Florence cared for every one of her family members, no matter where you ranked among them. She made every effort to treat everyone with love and to provide hugs and kisses as needed. She made you feel special, as she was very special to us. Her nature by far was one of sincerity and strength and that was shown by the way she treated others. When she came to the understanding of salvation, without hesitation she allowed the Lord to work in her life. She was baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Precious Gift of the Holy Ghost at the Bethlehem Temple Pentecostal Church where she served as the Head Usher with dignity, pride, and a love for God's people. Florence was always quick and willing to forgive even if she was not in the wrong. She was a person that never held a grudge. Florence loved life to the fullest and to the best of her ability and would let you know if you stepped out of place, in whatever, she would tell you it's time to get right with God. So when you think about Florence, you think of a very strong, determined woman that with her entrance, she expected you to acknowledge her; otherwise, if you didn't, she definitely would remind you that she was in the room and you better not let it slip by ignoring her. In Florence's last hours, she prepared a portion of her obituary, knowing that her flight to glory would not be long now. On Sunday, January 2, 2011 around 7:15 am she quietly and peacefully slipped away to be with the one who loved her the most. The family will take great comfort and peace with knowing that as she was ushered into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, all of Heaven will know that the beloved Florence has arrived. She leaves to cherish her memories to her Daughters, Minerva E. Fleming (Olander), and Hattie L. Brown; Grandchildren: Lana Tolentino, Olander C.W. Fleming (Janet), Sharon E. Banks (Leon), Reginald Brown, Felicia Brown, Monica Fleming, Shelia Price, Todd Brown; Great Grandchildren: Timothy Caleb, Tiffany Brown, Tamarah Caleb, Lanita Tolentino, Francisco Tolentino II, Nicole Brown, Lanaii Tolentino, Laticia Tolentino, Jacob Price, Olander Fleming, Joshua Price, Nathaniel Fleming, MiguelAngelo Tolentino. Shelby Brown, Courtnei, Fleming, Sydnee Brown, Cecelia Fleming, Samuel Fleming, Michael Bailey, Juliann Bailey; Great, Great, Grandchildren: T'yana Brown, Kimothy Caleb, Jeremiah Mayo, Timothy.Jr., Caleb, Caitlin Mayo,,Myasha Caleb, Nicholas.Tolentino, Kristen Caleb, Josiah Tolentino; Nieces: Annie E. Taylor, Elise Douglas; Nephews: Burton Miller, Butch Timberlake, Earl Timberlake, Aaron Taylor; and a host of Great: Nieces and Nephews, Great, Great: Nieces and Nephews, Great, Great, Great: Nieces and Nephews; and a host of cousins, friends and care-givers as well as Church members from near and far. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 1:00pm at New Hope Ministries, 2705 Alcott Avenue, Richmond, VA 23237