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Flora Ann (Dandridge) Gregory, age 79, affectionately known as “Flo”, “Floss”, “Butch”, “Nook”, “Mama Flo”, “Nanna”, and “Gran-Gran” to family and friends, was born on September 14, 1942, in Goochland, Virginia (VA), to the loving union of the late Gordon K. and Flora L. Dandridge. She departed her earthly life for eternal rest in peace with the Lord on the morning of Monday, December 6, 2021, in the Newport News Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Newport News, VA. She was formerly married to the late Lawrence Ashby and from this union, they had four daughters; Yvonne, Tammy, Tina, and Sherry, whom she referred to as her Angels. She later married Robert Gregory, Sr. who was a very strong protector and loved her unconditionally.
She attended the Goochland, Williamsburg-James City County, and York County Public School Systems. Settling in Williamsburg, VA, she was employed as a Cook and Baker with Eastern State Hospital (ESH). She was an exemplary employee and retired after many years of dedicated service in 2007. She returned to ESH as a Contractor to be the Head Cook in the Patient’s Dining Facility and worked a few additional years. She was known throughout Virginia for her extraordinary culinary expertise and talent. She was an entrepreneur and the original owner of Flo’s Kitchen. Her cuisine legacy is now owned and operated by her eldest granddaughter Chef Nikki.
She accepted Christ and honored God throughout her life. Her generous heart positioned her to work in various churches throughout Virginia with her husband Robert Sr. She traveled throughout the state feeding the hungry and ministering to the homeless, which included people who lived under bridges. When you entered her home, you were family and treated as such. She was strong, feisty, beautiful, fun, and courageous.
She affectionately raised her four girls to adulthood and helped Robert raise his son and daughter during their teen years. Kind-hearted, she often gave lovingly, so that those who were unfortunate would have---expecting nothing in return. She taught her daughters and son many life lessons and traditions that are being passed to their children. She loved to crochet, collect eagles and biblical crosses, watch westerns and hallmark movies, and entertain. She was a Steelers fan and loved vocalist Tamela Mann. She often traveled to Maryland to visit with her eldest daughter (Yvonne), and hung out with her local daughters (Tammy, Tina, and Sherry), siblings, and other relatives. As a gifted singer, she loved to sing many tunes, particularly the Lord’s Prayer. She and her brother Gordon Jr. were the hand-dancing duo. When she hung out with her siblings, they played Pinochle, Pokeno, danced, and shared stories of their childhood with the kids at the Dandridge family home; a traditional weekend event. She had the prettiest hazel eyes that radiated her beauty and were captivating. Her ride-or-die crew back in the day were: Betty Holiday, Berniece Owens; and the late Queenie Winston (her ace), the late Lenora Jones, the late Gladys Mason, and the late Myrtle Pryor. Her bonus girls who spent lots of time at her home were Abby Ashby-Brown, Kim Randolph, Brenda Ashby-Jones, and Benita Taylor-West.
She was also preceded in death by her brother, Russell Mormon, and daughter, Tanika Gregory. Precious cherished memories will remain in the hearts of her devoted husband, Robert Gregory, Sr.; her adoring and loyal children: Yvonne Coates (Symuell 3rd) of White Plains, MD, Tammy Ashby of Williamsburg, VA, Tina Ashby of Newport News, VA, Sherry Shepperd (Kirk, Sr.) of Newport News, VA, and son, Robert Gregory, Jr. of Gloucester, VA; siblings: Allie Dandridge, Sr. of Poquoson, VA, Gordon Dandridge, Jr. (Corether) of Hampton, VA, Rev. Jacqueline Rowe (William, Sr.) of Williamsburg, VA; sister-in-law, Connie Mormon of Goochland, VA; father-in-law, Nathaniel Berry (Kim); brothers-in-law: Victor Berry (Linda), Darrell Berry, George Berry, and Gerald Berry (Tracey); grandchildren: Nicole Harris (Aaron), Kirk Shepperd II, Denard Ashby, Trevin Ashby, Symuell Coates, IV (Sheila), Deontae Ashby, Symone Coates, Sherkara Gregory, Tariq Gregory, Saleem Gregory, Robert Gregory 3rd, Rhykeesia White, A’Shonte Smith-Gregory, and Kaden Gregory; great-grandchildren: Myah Harris aka her Noodle, Kent Harris, A’niyah Gregory, Maxwell Coates, Lailoni Coates, Jayde Coates, Nicholas Coates; and a host of loving relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Whiting's Funeral Home. Live stream will be available at the beginning of the service. Mrs. Gregory my be viewed from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Facial coverings are required for all services.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
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