Mother Florence Backus

Mother Florence

Backus

Mother Florence Smith Backus was the sixth of ten children born to the late Frank and Rena James Smith. She was born in Mars Bluff-Florence County, South Carolina on November 23, 1928. She peacefully transitioned to her Heavenly Rest on Monday, September 19, 2022.

Mother Backus attended the public schools of Florence, SC. She graduated from Wilson High School and from South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Home Economics. She began her education career at Scott's Branch High School in Clarendon County, SC, and then returned to her hometown, where she continued her teaching career at North Vista Elementary School in Florence School District One and retired after 40 years of Excellence Service.

In 1952, Mother Backus was joined in Holy Matrimony with the late Reverend Dr. Vandroth Backus, Sr., who was awarded the Congressional Gold Metal from Congressman James E. Clyburn, served as the first black police officer in Florence County and the oldest active mortician in the United States. It was during their union, Dr. Backus founded Monumental Missionary Baptist Church and Backus Funeral Home, LLC.

Mother Backus served as the First Lady and the First Mother of the Church of Monumental Missionary Baptist Church. She was a very faithful and dedicated member. She was a member of many organizations within the church. Mother Backus served the District as the co-chairperson of the Banquet Committee and a member of the Auditing Committee. Mother Florence Backus worked hard and diligently in her community with the Outreach Missionary Services, Weed and Seed Seniors Program, visited and prayed with the sick, and shut in. Mother Florence is a member of the Nominating Committee of the State Convention, past Worth Matron of Bowers Chapter OES#295, a charter member of Epsilon Chi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and a member of the Florence County Public Library. Also, Mother Backus was a member of the Pee Dee Missionary Baptist Association Minister Wives. She was honored as Woman of the Year three times for Monumental Missionary Baptist Church, Woman of the Year in 2017 for Pee Dee District Women Department, and Mother of the Year in 2017 for Monumental Missionary Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mother Backus was preceded in death by her siblings: John Smith, Leona Black, Frank Smith Jr, Thelma Wilson, Marion Smith, Louise Bailey, Lois Smith Langston, and Clifton Smith.

Mother Backus leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Cassandra E. Backus of Columbia, SC, Vandroth Backus II, and Thaddeus E. Backus both of Florence, SC; one granddaughter, Monique Whistine Backus of Clover, SC; four sisters-in-law: Mrs. Eliza McCollough of Florence, SC, Mrs. Elouise Benjamin of Philadelphia, PA, Mrs. Juanita (David) Bull of Great Falls, SC, and Mrs. Geneva B. Leaks of Brooklyn, NY; one brother-in-law: Deacon Henry Bernard(Eleanor) Backus of Florence, SC; the Backus Funeral Home staff; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.