Floris Reynolds was born March 12, 1940 to Montie and Idella Reaves (both deceased) in Ellenton, Florida. Fondly known as “Mickey,” to family and friends alike, Floris was the seventh of 12 children. She enjoyed a happy Christian upbringing which included graduation from the Lincoln Memorial High School in Palmetto, Florida.

In pursuit of a better life for herself and her beloved sons, Michael and Casey, Floris relocated to Cleveland, Ohio to join her sister, Julia Thomas in 1961. It was in Cleveland where Floris met and married Monroe G. Reynolds on December 21, 1968. They remained married until Monroe’s death in 2022.

Shortly after moving to Cleveland, Floris accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She shared her love for the Lord by becoming a Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church member, teaching youth to memorize and recite scripture. Floris eventually moved to the Church of the North Coast becoming a member there. It was, however, at Zion Pentecostal Church of Christ (Cleveland) where Floris’ Ministry of Helps flourished.

As a Church Mother, Floris adopted Elder Michael Byers and George Levy (both deceased) as her sons. Floris also brought comfort and aid to mourning families, prepared and served repast meals, used her gift of crafting for decoration, and ensured the dining hall and kitchen were spotless as a member of the Bereavement Auxiliary. Floris was also a very active Red Coat Auxiliary member where she made everyone who entered Zion Pentecostal feel wanted, needed and loved. She actively assisted in recruiting new Red Coat members, spent countless hours planning, assisting and participating in many auxiliary fundraising activities, provided Bibles to church members, gave sustenance and clothing to those in need, and did whatever tasks needed completion. A highlight of Floris’ ministerial service was her sharing her creative talents by leading a wreathmaking class enthusiastically attended and fondly remembered by its participants.

For many years, Floris assisted Ruth Weiss, co-owner of the renowned Weiss Furriers. Floris touched the hearts of not only Mrs. Weiss and her husband, Joe, but also of their children who kept in contact with her for many years after her employment. Once Floris left Weiss, she began another career at L’Oreal Beauty and Cosmetic Company where, even in retirement, Floris continued to work with L’Oreal’s product development department as a test subject for new hair products.

Floris was a creative talent, especially with flowers. She, Michael and Casey would often travel to professionally decorate halls for weddings and other celebrations. Floris passed on many of her crafting skills to her niece and fellow crafter, Charmaine Geeter.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Nathaniel, Lonnie, Joseph, Queen Esther Dennis, Doris Holt and Clatha, daughter-in-love Daisy (deceased (Casey), and special nephew Darryl Harris, Floris leaves to rejoice in the memory of her well-lived life, her sons Michael (Hilda) of Palmetto, FL and Casey (Cleveland); grandchildren, Jamie Freeman, Tiffany and Daniqua Butler, siblings, Rev. Clarence, Deacon Willie (Marie), Julia Thomas, Elmira Collins and Shirley Anderson; sister-in-love Loraine (Joseph, deceased); dear Sisters-in-Christ and friends, Shirley Pulphus, Peggy Kenniebrew, Paulette Willis and Lynda Nickens, bonus daughters, Geraldine Kibble, Deljuan Gibson, Renee Hughes and Barbara Davis; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends, her beloved church family; and sweet granddog, Brownie.

After a car accident and during a lengthy recuperation in 2023, Floris was lovingly aided and cared for by her sons and “daughters,” Geraldine and Deljuan.

On January 24, 2024, Floris transitioned to be with the Lord. Her belief in the Lord, her sense of humor and sense of adventure, and her willingness to assist all those in need, will be sorely missed. Floris Reaves Reynolds touched lives.

Lovingly submitted by

The Family of Floris Reynolds