Florence Oakman

Florence Oakman was born on May 9, 1944 in Aiken, SC to parents James & Lula Oakman. She was the third of five children. The family moved to Philadelphia, PA when she was a toddler. Florence completed her education through the Philadelphia Public School System. She started her career as a Candy Striper at Temple University Hospital as a teenager, after which time she worked as a Nurse's Aide at Colonial Gardens. In 1972, she left Colonial Gardens to become a full-time mother to her 3 children. Florence was affectionately known by family and friends as "Fatso," "Flo-Jo," "Ms. Flo" and "Mommy." Florence enjoyed being around family and friends, engaging in memories of old times and sharing stories about her grandchildren, even though she could never get through the stories due to laughing and smiling so hard!!! Florence enjoyed going to family functions, especially Saturday gatherings with her sisters. Florence was a woman of few words; she smiled more than she talked. Her favorite words were "Not a thing" and "Yeah!" She had a very quiet spirit, and would shed tears showing her compassion for the Lord and expressing how proud she was of her grandchildren's achievements. Florence was supportive and enjoyed accompanying her granddaughter, Dorothea, who she called "Devil," to rehearsals, engagements and other gatherings with her Prophetic Kara Dance Ministry. She was affectionately known as "Grand Mom" by the ministry. Florence was known for being in the kitchen. Everyone loved to eat her fried chicken, pork chops and mac n cheese!!! She was a great teacher, and always had assistance in the kitchen by her children and grand-daughter, who all follow in her footsteps. Florence enjoyed watching Steve Harvey, Family Feud, Soap Operas, Steven Segal movies and her criminal investigation shows. She also loved listening to music, especially the oldies and spirituals. Some of her favorite music artists were Marvin Gaye, R. Kelly, The O'Jays and Smokey Robinson. Florence's health began to fail in October 2013. She fought a good fight until GOD gave her permission to take her flight on June 13, 2015, which happened to be the birthdate of her grandson, Howard W. White IV, who proceeded her in death. Florence leaves to cherish her memories: Three children, Dorothea Oakman, Nathaniel Oakman (Marilyn), and Michelle Bryant (Tyson), all of Philadelphia; two sisters, Louise West and Ethel Wilson, both of Philadelphia (two brothers, Luke Oakman and James Edward Oakman Jr. proceeded her in death); two sisters-in law, Muriel Oakman of San Diego, CA and Mary Oakman of Philadelphia, PA; one uncle, Rudolph Stephens, and one aunt, Mary Frails, both of Philadelphia; twelve grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a special cousin, Rosa Campbell and a special friend, Ruby Hunter who were like sisters; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Service:

June 20, 2015 10:00am

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