| Florestine “Flo” Gaskins, 75, passed on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 1:13 a.m. with her family by her side at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida.
At her request, no formal service was held. Her surviving husband Harold Gaskins, and three children, Earl Gaskins, Benjamin Gaskins, Samala Wallack and husband Blaise Wallack held a private intimate viewing on Friday, September 24, 2021 at Best Care Cremation in Clearwater, Florida to celebrate her life. Flo was born on January 17, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois as the eldest child to Rose Robinson and Clyde Heard. Rose Robinson relocated with Flo to the Kansas City, Missouri area during 1946 and Clyde Heard remained in Chicago, Illinois. During Flo’s childhood her interests included being an avid reader, playing the piano, and she also enjoyed attending church and school. Flo also enjoyed helping her mother take care of her younger siblings as she was the oldest. Flo had many friends. Flo always dreamed of becoming a teacher. Her 95-year old mom, Rose Robinson recently stated “she always wanted to work and be out doing something. She was a smart girl even as a little thing. She always wanted to be out selling our church magazines. She was always a go-getter.” Flo attended Linwood Seventh-day Adventist Church School during her elementary and middle school years. She later became a proud graduate from Westport High School in Kansas City, Missouri. In pursuit of higher education, Flo attended Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Flo married her college sweetheart, Harold Gaskins in 1968. They began their life together in St. Joseph, Missouri. The happy couple were gainfully employed with the Central States Conference of Seventh-day Adventist with Flo as a teacher and Harold as a minister. Flo later received a Master of Science degree from Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. As an educator, Flo was both an influential teacher, principal and foster parent who helped to transform many students’ and foster children’s lives through her warm and compassionate spirit. Flo retired from the Kansas City Public School District in 2009. Flo was an enthusiast for traveling and visited many national locations and international countries. She was always positive and ensured everyone around her knew she cared and loved them with a warm smile. Flo loved God and was an active church member at Clearwater SDA Church. Flo often shared that her proudest accomplishment was being a mom and raising her children and grandchildren. Flo enjoyed her family and always appreciated the time they spent together. Flo is survived by her husband, Harold Gaskins, mother, Rose Robinson, brother, Melvin Robinson, brother Freddy Robinson, sister Antronette Robinson, son Earl Gaskins and former spouse Heather, son Benjamin Gaskins, daughter Samala Wallack and spouse Blaise, grandson Jason Gaskins, granddaughter Sydney Gaskins, grandson Dillon Dixon, granddaughter Madisyn Wallack, and grandson Mason Wallack. Flo is preceded in death by her sister, Geraldine Robinson, brother, Jerry Robinson, and brother, Richard Robinson. Rest in peace Flo, we will miss you always! Condolences may be sent to: GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/15580f07 |
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Mom, you will be forever missed in our lives! You left us too soon but we’re are thankful God is giving you rest from your labors. I love you always!
Flo, when I received the news my heart stopped. You were my best friend, my confidant, my travel partner. … who’s going to be my best friend now? No one will ever take your place in my heart. I am missing you now and until eternity. Our friendship ended much too soon as we were just planning a vacation for your birthday. Our laughs on the phone once you moved away
… always seemed to brighten my day. I’ll always remember our last conversation and cherish it. No one will ever have a beautiful smile like yours that would light up any room. Sleep on Flo and take your rest, I loved you …but GOD loved you best! Until we meet again…
Even though there is joy in the homecoming, there is pain in your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for all that knew Mrs. Gaskins.
Samala and all the Gaskins family, my sincerest condolences to all of you. Mrs. Flo radiated beauty and kindness; it was a pleasure to know her. Praying for all of you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathies,
Karen Brown Cleveland
Such a lovely tribute! I will always remember Aunt Flo’s beautiful smile & personality!😍 So many memories over the years! What a comfort to know that Jesus is coming soon! What a day of rejoicing that will be!🎉🎉❤️🙏🏾
To Uncle Buddy, Earl, Ben, and Samala…my heart is saddened to receive this news but I will forever remember Aunt Flo and the wonderful person she was. I love you all and my prayers are with you.
To Pastor Harold Gaskin & Family
I was saddened to learn that Sister Florestine had died. I remember Sister Florestine her husband Pastor Harold and little Earl when they were pastoring in Topeka, Kansas many years ago. Earl took a liking to my daughter Jackie. Sister Florestihe was a very sweet lady and always greeted you with a smile. We lost touch when their time in Topeka was over. My condolences to you. God bless you and your Family Pastor Gaskin.