The Richmond News, Jan. 19, 2024

Florence Wilkins

Florence Mae Wilkins, 95, of Richmond passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at Lawson Manor. Florence was born Dec. 17, 1928, in Henrietta, the daughter of Walkine “Buzz” and Katherine (Nelson) West. She was united in marriage to Andrew Alfred Wilkins of Richmond on Nov. 18, 1955. He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 1979. Survivors include her daughter, Pamela Allen; stepdaughter, Frances D. Wilkins; and 11 grandchildren, Ralph D. (Jennifer) Price III, Anthony (Jennifer) Price, Terry (Doris) Price, Tyra (Doc) Cahill, Corey (Kim Stevens) Price, Rance Williams, Tim Price, Rajon (Kayla Thorne) Price, Angel Gant, James Gant and Jasmine Allen.

Other survivors include 22 great-grandchildren: Kim Kesner, Rashadd Price, Lorenzo Price, Keronique Thurston, Angelica Finnell, Darius Finnell, Josh Price, Ashton Price, Alani Price, Kyra Price, Tyesha Cahill, Talynn Cahill, Rashaan Price, Destani Price, Tysun Price, Lanika Price, Makinzy Kurtz, Jake Gray, Jada Gray, Ashanti Price, Dominic Williams and Donivin Williams; and 17 great-great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her close special friends, Ewelleen Elliott, Veronica Thaxton, Sandy Burns and Russell Allen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons, Ralph Price Jr. and James Price; three daughters, Frances Delores Wilkins, Kathy Wilkins and Connie Price; and three sisters, Clara Blackburn, Barbara West and Josephine Hannon.

Florence was raised and educated in the Richmond and Henrietta areas.

After high school, she married Ralph D. Price. They later divorced. She later married Andrew Wilkins.

She worked for several years at The Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, and she spent almost 50 years with the Eagleton Center in Richmond until her retirement about five years ago.

Florence was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend.

She was of the Baptist faith, being a dedicated member for 70-plus years at the Second Baptist Church of Richmond, where she was an active member until her health began to fail. She was a member of the Rebecca Chapter of the Eastern Star for almost 70 years. In 2012, Florence was presented a certificate of recognition by then-Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder for exemplary service to the Richmond community and was awarded the Senior Services Award.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Richmond Second Baptist Church or the Eagleton Center. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 13, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the services at 11.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in Richmond Memory Gardens.

The family of Mrs. Florence would like to thank everyone for their many acts of kindness extended to us at this difficult time. It is greatly appreciated. Please continue to lift our family in your prayers. A special thanks to Pat Mills, director at the Ray County Senior Center.

Please share your memories of Florence with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.