Floriene H. L. Parson Entered this life on May 22, 1936, to her parents, Lillian Shannon-Whitehorn and Henry Whitehorn (whom both proceed her in death) in Mounds, Illinois.

After moving to Saint Louis, Missouri, Floriene and her mother, Lillian Shannon, joined Pleasant Green M.B. Church, where Floriene confessed her hope in the Lord and was baptized at an early age. Later, after relocating to Webster Groves, Missouri, they became members of First Baptist Church of Webster. There, Floriene remained deeply dedicated to her faith and service, actively participating as a Youth Sunday School leader, a member of the Youth Choir, and in the Beautification Ministry. Through her devotion and service, she continued to grow and strengthen her relationship with the Lord.

While attending Saint Louis Public Schools and the Webster Groves School District, Floriene discovered her love for reading. She enjoyed exploring books on Black history, biographies, and a love story or two, but her greatest joy came from reading the greatest love story of all, the Holy Bible. Floriene was a true Bible scholar who carried the Lord’s Word in her heart. She knew Scripture inside and out.

She later met and married Curtis D. Parson Sr., and three children were born to this union. Love struck again with Roosevelt Bradley, and four children were born to that union. A devoted mother and homemaker, Floriene and her family resided in a close-knit community at 5920 Minerva, where families supported, respected, and valued one another.

As she began working outside the home, Floriene found employment at John Burroughs High School as a cafeteria cook. She loved her job and the students she served, later transitioning into the Custodial Department, where she continued to take pride in her work and the school community.

After her retirement, Floriene devoted much of her time to helping raise her grandchildren, often having seven or eight of them around at once. They cherished their time together, enjoying each other’s company, cooking, and taking walks through the neighborhood, especially in Wellston, where they would “shop till they dropped.”

When she was not spending time with her grandchildren, Floriene enjoyed being part of a social club with her dear friends Mary Pickett and Carrie Jean Buffkins (both of whom preceded her in death).

Later, she joined New Christian Hope Church under the leadership of Pastor Chalmes Glasper Sr. There, she became a dedicated member of the Mothers Board, serving alongside her beloved “Golden Girls”—sisters Annabell Morgan, Arlene Smith, and Bertha Thomas (all of whom also preceded her in death). Whether it was church dinners or gospel concerts, they were always together, sisters until the end.

Mother Parson remained a faithful and active member of New Christian Hope until her health began to decline. Her last visit to the church was in November 2025.

Floriene transitioned on March 5th, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family until the very end. What a wonderful life she lived.

She leaves to cherish, honor, and carry on her legacy six children: Deborah Esonwune, Curtis D. Parson Jr., Michael L. Parson (who preceded her in death), Sharon Parson, Lillian Parson, Ronald Parson (Lynn), and Sylvia Parson; One aunt, Thelma Shannon (Warren); six sisters: Mattie Griffith, Onieta Whitehorn, Juanita Maxwell, Betty Sue Whitehorn, Stella Louis Whitehorn, and Cathaleen Jackson; two brothers: Charles Whitehorn and Larry Whitehorn.

She was preceded in death by three sisters: Ruby Whitehorn, Henrietta Whitehorn, and Gladyes Lee Hayes.

Floriene also leaves behind 23 grandchildren: Ashante, Donte, Michael Curtis (who preceded her in death), Sheritta, Lolita, Desmond, Devin, Shannon, September, Tanesha/Sehmaj, Tionna, Kimberlin, Kalan, Darre, Katarra, Kelsea, Baby Ronni, Sherron, Dashai, Alysia, and LaRon, along with 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She will also be lovingly remembered by her New Christian Hope Church family, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.