“It is love, not reason that is stronger than death.” – Thomas Mann
Florence Mabel Busby was born on May 6th, 1925, even though her passport states May 5th, to James and Evelyn Hughes of South Hill. She would always joke that she was so special that her birthday needed to be celebrated twice a year. She married the deceased Cedric Busby and together they had 5 biological children, the deceased Claudette Busby; and also Janice Busby-Hodge, Tracy Busby, Andrea Busby-Gumbs and Ken Busby. Flory, Mar-Mar or Aunt Toyie as she was affectionately known, also raised her biological niece, Shirley Hughes, as her daughter.
Flory lived a full life. If you were not her family member, you were her friend. You were never a stranger to her. It was very difficult to pass her “gap” without coming by to say hi, even if you were meeting her for the 1st time. She always had time to hear how you and your family were doing. You knew when you came to her house she would ask 1 question; “you eat?” You may arrive hungry but you always left uncomfortably full.
Her razor sharp memory could trace anyone’s lineage. All you had to say was, “Mar-Mar what was so and so’s father’s name” and she would tell you the person’s name, his siblings’ names, his parents’ names, his grandparents and his great grandparents’ names. She forgot nothing.
Her doors were always open (literally). She spent most of her life taking care of family members. Even when she was unable to take care of herself anymore, she ensured that others were taken care of. She had a strong faith and “going in the house of the Lord” was very important to her (ask Ilene and her children).
Florence loved people and she loved life. Her spirit was contagious and she was a lot of fun to be around. She was blessed to live 4 score and ten. At the end of her journey, she was at peace with meeting her Maker. While she has transitioned, her legacy lives on. Her brothers, James and Hubert Hughes, her sister, Dorothy Butler, her 5 children and 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, many family members and friends are left to celebrate her life.
Her home going ceremony is June 17th at 3 PM at the Bethel Methodist Church.
Florence Mabel Busby, may your soul rest in eternal peace.
