Florida B. Thomas was born in Tallahassee FL., on January 23, 1938 to the late Walter and Ethel Bryant. Proceeding her in death also are her sisters: Viola Bryant Paterson, Louise Townsend, Leola Jones, Pearl Barber, Mary Bryant and brothers: Walter Bryant Jr. and Herbert Bryant. She held a Bachelor of Science in Library Science from Florida A&M University and a Masters in Administration and Supervision from University of South Florida. Once she graduated from college and relocated to Clewiston and later met and married the Love of her Life Mr. Melvin S. Thomas Sr. on November 16, 1974. Florida Thomas was converted at an early age from a Primitive Baptist Church in Tallahassee Fl. She later moved to Clewiston and continued the work of the Lord under the pastorate of three pastors Rev. L. H. King, Rev. James W. White and Rev. G. L. McNealy. She served at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for 59 years. There she was on the Finance committee, she served as a choir member and secretary. Florida Thomas began teaching in 1960 where she dedicated 40 years to the Hendry County School System. After she retired she felt there was still work to be done. She then began working full-time as a Librarian at The Harlem Library where she retired in 2014. She has accomplished and achieved many prestigious awards. Just to name a few, She was the First Black Librarian in the State of Florida within the immigrated school system. She was named CIS (Children Intermediate School) Teacher of the Year in 1987. She was an active member of The Order of The Eastern Star fraternity since 1970. The Harlem Community Library was dedicated and re-named after her in May of 2017. She was recently awarded The Heritage Award for 2018. She leaves to mourn her passing: a loving husband, Mr. Melvin S. Thomas Sr. (Clewiston FL.); (2) Step-sons, Melvin Thomas Jr. (St. Augustine FL.); Byron Collins (Tallahassee FL.); (2) Step-daughters, Rebecca Thomas and Alafiya Thomas both of Clewiston FL.; (6) God-children; Fes Harden (Pompano FL.) Nicobi Hall (Clewiston FL.) Pamela Mindillo (husband) Emanuello Mindillo (Clewiston FL.) Steve Hill (wife) Michelle Hill (Belle Glade FL.), Carlous McKire (White Springs FL.) Robert Corbett (wife) Joyce Corbett (West Palm FL.), (3) Sister-in-laws; Mrs. Rose Bryant (Tallahassee FL.)Mrs. Barbera Cohen and Mrs. Edna Thomas both of Jacksonville FL.; (1) brother-in-law Mr. Earl Thomas (wife) Mrs. Sandra Thomas of Ft. Lauderdale FL. and God-sister Evangelist Joyce Fredericks (Hofford CT.) (5) Step-grandchildren; (35) God-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and other sorrowing relatives and friends. Special Friends: Frances Davenport and family (Deerfield Beach, FL.), Gwen Davis (Belle Glade FL.), Pamela Fussel (Clewiston, FL) and the late Edna Allen (Clewiston FL.)