Florence A. (Reed) English

Florence Ann English departed this life Monday, March 20, 2023, peacefully and comfortably at her home surrounded by her family and friends.

She entered this life on December 17, 1942 to the late Samuel and Annie (Brooks) Reed in Wardell, MO.

As a young lady, she attended Attucks Grade School and Attucks High School in Carbondale, IL, graduating in 1962 as Valedictorian of her class. Florence enrolled at John A Logan College where she earned her Associates Degree in Childcare, later attending Southern Illinois University earning her Bachelors Degree in Education. She accepted a position with the Department of Children and Family Services where she worked for over 30 years as a Social Worker before her retirement in 2002.

Florence accepted Christ at an early age and had a strong love for the Lord. She was a faithful and devoted member of Olivet Freewill Baptist Church where she served on the Ushers Board for many years.

Florence was united in holy matrimony to the late James (Jimmy) English Jr. and to this union two children were born Joseph and Leslie (Ladybug) English.

She often spent her weekends collecting antiques and participating in flea markets for the community. "Granny Florence" as her grandchildren called her, enjoyed sewing, gardening, and spending time with her family (all of which she adored and loved).

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: one son, Joseph (Rhonda) English of Carbondale, IL; four grandchildren, Ashley McCroy, Patrice (William) Lacy both of Carbondale, IL, Vanessa (Eric) Vasser of St. Louis, MO, and her spoiled grandson, James English of Atlanta, GA; six great grandchildren, Jon'Tayvion Brown, Jerome Kizer Jr., Ji'Shawn Kizer, Saniya Augustus,  Jy'Ziire Gails, and Ja'Ziah English; one great great granddaughter, Jordyn McCroy; three sisters, Lorene (Ernest) Lewis and Elizabeth Harvell both of Springfield, IL and Annie (Raymond) Ampy of Carbondale, IL; one sister-in-law, Muriel Reed of Hazel Crest, IL, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, James English Jr.; one special daughter, Leslie (Ladybug) English; parents, Annie and Samuel Reed; two sisters, Virginia Nesbitt and Geneva Anderson; two brothers, Johnnie Washington Reed and Glenn Reed.