Flora Mae Simms Lawrence

Flora Mae Simms Lawrence, known as "Flo," "Singing Flo," "Mother Lawrence," and "It" to her siblings was born on October 10, 1937, in Normangee, Texas. She spent her formative years in Normangee, Texas. Flora attended the Carter G. Woodson school while in Normangee and graduated in 1959. She accepted the Lord at a young age and became a member of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. Flora joined New True Vine Miracles Tabernacle where she served as first lady and deaconess. She continued in her role as a faithful servant by winning souls for Christ after the passing of her husband, H. Lawrence, until her health failed.

Flora's memory will be cherished by those family and friends who survive her. Among those survivors are her daughters, Derenda (General) Durham and Helena Simms-Besses; sons, LaDale (Sherry) Simms and Jerriett (Trish) Simms; six grandsons, General Durham Jr., Kenneth Durham, Jerriett "Lil J" Simms Jr., Carlos Besses, Dale Anthony Simms and Deon Simms; great grandson, General JV-aughn; sisters, Mary N. Lofton, Gertrude "Trudy" Robinson, Leoma Smith and Esther "Happy" Randle; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends, including two special friends, Ms. Gwendolyn Hattie and Ms. Denise Sirls.

Flora was preceded in death by her parents, Guster Chambers and Guthrie (Quarles) Chambers; first husband and father of her children, W.F. Simms; last husband, Pastor Harese Lawrence; son, Marale Simms; brothers and sisters, Acie L. Chambers, Willie J. Chambers, Nathaniel Chambers, Augusta C. Owens, Leopha Chambers, Frank W. Chambers, and Andrew Chambers; and two special sisters-in-law, Faye N. West and Beauty Bell Phillips.

A homegoing celebration honoring Flora's life will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Rev. Ezra D. Johnson will give the eulogy. Flora will be laid to rest in Hopewell Cemetery. A visitation will take place prior to the service Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to service time at the funeral home.

A repast with dinner will take place at Hopewell Community Fellowship Baptist Church, 5328 FM 1511, Centerville, Texas, 75833.

Arrangements are entrusted to the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.