Florene Flo (Bell) McLurkin

Mrs. Florene Bell "Flo" McLurkin of 2870 Fire Tower Road in Rock Hill, South Carolina and formerly of Chester County South Carolina died Thursday January 1, 2015 at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill,South Carolina.

Funeral Services will be held 12 noon on Saturday January 10, 2015 at True Gospel Church of God and Christ in Chester, South with the Reverend William Bryson, officiating and burial will follow.

Mrs. Florene Bell McLurkin was born on May 11, 1937, in Chester, South Carolina.  She was the daughter of the late Reverend Edward David and Classie Jackson Bell.  

Mrs. McLurkin was educated in the Chester County public schools and graduated from Finley Senior High School, Class of 1955.  She met and married Theodore McLurkin and they later moved to New York.  Florene and Theodore were blessed with eight children.  Flo as she was affectionately known when later be known by many in the community as “Mother” because of her motherly love to all that came in contact with her.

“Flo” was a self-employed hair stylist for over 50 years.  Upon relocating back to Chester, she owned and operated “A Touch of Class”.  She possessed hands that created a new you and a spirit that touched everyone she encountered.  She worked magic in her salon and in her daily life.  “Mother” greeted everyone with a welcoming smile and a kind word.  She adored and cherished her family, friends and clients.  She loved to travel with her girls and have a good time.  Being with family brought her much joy.  She was very stylish and loved dressing in the latest fashions.  She enjoyed dressing up and attending various events.  She also loved performing her Tina Turner routine at the annual beautician fashion show.

"Flo" became a member of Second Wilson Baptist Church at an early age and was an active and faithful member.  She was always a very faithful, committed, loyal, and dedicated member of Second Wilson.  Having been reared in the Christian home, she raised her family in that same way.  Just this past year, she felt the need to rededicate her life and entered the waters of baptism.  “Flo” was strong in the faith.  She sang on the musical and vocal choirs and served as Treasurer for the missionary society.

Florene was a true virtuous woman, loving mother and wonderful friend.  She embraced strong family values and standards.  She possessed a very caring and generous spirit.  Her character endeared her to many and positively influenced her family, church, community and those she encountered.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. McLurkin was preceded in death by her son, Anthony McLurkin; her sister, Mary Pendergrass.

Mrs. Florene Bell McLurkin leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted daughters, Venida McLurkin, of the home, Audrey (Edward) Barnes, of Wilson, NC, Shawn McLurkin, of New York, and Jacqueline McLurkin, of Rock Hill, SC; her loving sons, Marty (Takeecia) McLurkin and Travis (Schelecia) McLurkin, both of Rock Hill, SC and Lavell McLurkin of New York; a daughter-in-law, Amelia Berracol, of New York; brothers, David (Emma) Bell, of Baltimore, Md., Charles (Esther) Bell, of New York and Leslie (Helen) Bell of Chester, SC; 15 grandchildren; Keisha, Nikki, Trevor, Corey, DJ, Chuba, Tonisha, Lauren, Channell, Tony, Melton Ja’Kiah, Ariunna, Jordan, and Jada; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great- grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and a host of other loving relatives and caring friends.


Family will receive friends at her home 2870 Fire Tower Road in Rock Hill,South Carolina.

Viewing will be at the funeral on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. She will lie in state at the church from 11:00 am until the hour of the service.

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