Florence Decker Corry passed away in 1954, leaving behind six children, aged 2 to 18. For the younger children who have only vague memories of their mother, and for the grandchildren who know her only by legend, this is Florence's story.

Monday, October 7, 2013

A Woman of Dignity, Charity and Grace

Before we peek into the last few years of Florence's life, I wanted you to have a chance to see Florence through the eyes of those around her. We all look better after we pass on, of course, and dying young adds an additional filter. However, Florence seems to be one of those exceptional people who inspired love and devotion during her life, as well. The following are a few descriptions of Florence by friends and family, descriptions that I could not afford to lose in the midst of stories and names and dates. Can't you just see so much of Florence in her children?

"Florence had a dignity—a comfortable dignity that made me feel that she recognized her self worth. I do not recall hearing her express negative feelings about people. In her presence I felt good about myself. I believe she had this influence on all who met her. Her hair was lovely, enough curl that it was soft about her face with a soft bob at the base of her head. She was quick and efficient in her actions. I can make a positive statement that I never heard anyone say an unkind or critical word about her. She was probably as nearly perfect as any normal human being ever becomes." -- Verena Decker (wife of Alvin Decker, Florence's brother)

"All of us on the BAC campus regarded her as a perfect lady, one with an unusual degree of refinement, and unusual degree of executive ability and culture. She had great leadership which we all recognized, and one of the fine, distinguishing and interesting things about her was that her superiority was never reflected in undue pride of haughtiness or snobbishness….The young people ... particularly, I believe, were blessed by her efforts. Her natural disposition and her natural talents and her devotion fitted her admirably for laboring with that active, uncertain, unpredictable group….I believe that Sister Florence Corry lived a very, very happy life." -- President David L. Sargent (Florence's college teacher, friend and stake president)

"That’s the way Mom was; she always built confidence, especially in her children. When we were down she always seemed to be there to lift us up and get us going again….She was always very personal with her children and especially effective one-on-one. She made you feel that you were her most important child and she loved you more than anyone else. As I got older I realized all my brothers and sisters felt the same way." -- Steve Corry (son)

"There are those of us who knew her as a child in her mother's arms, a little girl, and a teenager, and during all our associations she was never anything but lovely. Sweet and lovely are the adjectives I would give to her. ... She'll never leave you. Her influence, her loving spirit will be near you always." -- Barbara Adams (mother of Florence's friend Lillian)

"She could tell a person’s feelings from a mile off. She knew when they were down and somehow she knew how to find out why they were down, and she would do whatever she could to lift that person up again." -- Steve Corry (son)

"Mom was always for us having experiences. She realized that life had risks and we only learn by taking some of those risks and by doing." -- Steve Corry

"She always encouraged us to develop our talents. If there was some sport or activity that we thought we might like to try, Mother was always there encouraging us to try." -- Judy Corry Liddle (daughter)

"Now that’s one thing about Mom; she was nice and she was loving but when you crossed her, look out." -- Steve Corry

"A job she did particularly well was teaching our Mutual class.  Each Monday night session was so enlightening and inspirational that life always seemed brighter, fuller, and more worthwhile after leaving her. Questions troubling me were always answered clearly and with plenty of references. She knew scripture as well as a missionary in the field. If a question came up she did not now, she would go home and study, then call me with the answer. We were not just students in her class, but friends whom she was personally interested in helping with any problem we might have." -- Carol Ann Parry (daughter of Gronway Parry and student of Florence)

"Mom had a love for people and for nature. I think I could safely say she loved all of God's creations. She was such a caring person and much-loved in our community." -- Judy Corry Liddle

"She listened and sympathized. She always listened, and it seemed there was an endless line of relatives and friends who came over to talk." -- Kristine Corry Davis (daughter)

(In speaking of Florence's compassion for people with alcoholism) "It wasn't that the folks made any extra effort to be nice to those people because of their problem. Rather, they remained friends after others had shut the people out." -- Kristine Corry Davis