Obituary
On June 21, 1924, Florence Arlena Colbert was born in Henderson, Texas to the late
Nancy Jane Williams and Robert Allen Sanders. It was in Henderson where Florence was reared,
educated, and received much of her early church training.
Later in life, Florence’s family moved to Cotton Valley, Louisiana. After residing in Cotton
Valley, LA for numerous years, Florence then to Minden, Louisiana where she remained the
balance of her days. She made her final move from Earth to her heavenly home on July 11,
2023.
In addition to Florence’s parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ive
Colbert; her beloved son, Edd Allan Colbert; 4 siblings: Kelly McDonald, Jr., Mary Jane
McDonald, Joe Sanders, and Johnnie Lee McDonald. Florence was also preceded in death by her
longtime friend and “sister,” Mrs. Essie Mae Jenkins.
Florence led a busy life as a wife, mother, housekeeper, babysitter, and as youth
director and an usher at the New Zion Baptist Church in Minden, Louisiana. Of all her various
roles, gardening was the “icing on the cake”. Florence found joy and took pride in nurturing her
flowers. What a delight seeing her hard work flourish each spring and summer!
Florence leaves behind to cherish her memory: 5 children: Juanita Garland (Larry),
Joanna Mills (Billy), Connie Davis (Choyce), Cassandra Mitchell (Earvin), Annette Gill (George); 7
grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; 2 brothers: Samuel
McDonald (Ethel) and Claude McDonald; 1 sister: Billie M. Heard (Freeman); and a host of
nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, especially Pecola (Betty) who was Florence’s fellow
gardener, confidant, and additional “right hand”
Friday, July 21, 2023
11:00am - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Doyle Funeral Home of Minden
Family Hour
4:00 P. M. - 5:00 P. M.
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Mt Zion CME Church
Saturday, July 22, 2023
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)
Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church
Visits: 112
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