Whitney Latrice Floyd-Kerr: A celebration of life

A Celebration of Life

In loving remembrance of 

Whitney Latrice Floyd-Kerr

January 19, 1988 – November 9, 2022 

Service of Love
Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM 

Pastor Paul Jacks, Officiating
Lifeline Christian Fellowship
Round Rock, Texas 

Obituary

Whitney Lartice Floyd-Kerr was born January 19, 1988, to Laura Ockletree-Floyd and John Davis Floyd in Fort Hood, Texas. She received Christ at an early age and was baptized at Austin Tabernacle.

Whitney was a 2006 graduate of Stoney Point High School. She went on to earn a Pharmacy Tech Certificate. She was a devoted wife, mother and caregiver. Whitney had many wonderful attributes, but the greatest was her nurturing and loving spirit.

On February 26, 2008, she married the love of her life, Clinton W. Kerr of Round Rock, Texas. To this union they were blessed with two sons, Caleb Wayne (age 12) and Clinton Wayne Kerr, Jr. (age 9) She adored her family and was an excellent wife and homemaker. 

Daughter,Whitney Floyd Kerr, Laura Ockletree
Floyd, mother

Whitney is preceded in death by her mother, Laura Ockletree-Floyd; grandparents Rosie May and John Davis Floyd. Sr.; uncles Joseph Floyd and James Floyd; and nephew KeyVenuntavious Powell.

Left to cherish her loving memory are her husband, Clinton and their beautiful children Caleb Wayne Kerr and Clinton Wayne Kerr; father, John Davis Floyd (Brenda); mother-in-law, Evelyn Kerr of Pflugerville, Texas; grandmother, Marie Ockletree of Austin, Texas; grandfather, Dave Ockletree, Jr. (Billie) of Temple  Texas; siblings, Johnathan Floyd of Round Rock, Texas, Christopher Ockletree of Austin, Texas, Quincy Ockletree of Tulsa., Oklahoma, Sharita Ockletree of Round Rock, Texas And Garriet Howard, Teixeira Powell and Tiffany Howard all of Tuskegee, Alabama; aunts, Evera Wilkins of Temple, Texas, Sandra Ockletree of Round Rock, Texas and Mary Vaugh (Douglas), Brenda Pace (Robert), Yolanda Patterson (Ronald), and Espenolia Floyd all of Shorter, Alabama; uncles, Dave A. Ockletree (Latoya) of Vidalia, Georgia, and Lawrence Floyd, Ozell Floyd (Angelia) both of Shorter, Alabama; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

*****************************************************************

Just One Day

If I could come back just for one day
I know exactly what I would say.
To my family and friends, and those who I loved,
As a message from God who speaks from above.
I would say it’s okay to be sad for a while,
But what I really want to most is to see you all smile.
And for you to go on and live once again,
Allowing my memory to comfort your pain.
I know you all loved me with all of your heart,
And that none of you wanted for me to depart.
I don’t quite understand it all myself,
But I know you’ll get by with a little bit of help.
Yes, I would say to be a sad for a day
And to do what you need to do.
And then lift up your eyes
To the wonder of the sky,
And I know that I loved you all too!

You Never Said Goodbye
A poem for my wife 

You never said I’m leaving,
You never said goodbye,
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knew why.
And a million times I needed you,
A million times I cried,
If love alone could have saved you,
You would never have died.
In life I loved you dearly,
In death I loved you still,
In my heart you hold a place,
That no one could ever fill.
It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of me went with you,
 The day God took you home.

 ************************************

Order of Service

Prelude

Old Testament

Pastor D.W. Townsend

Winn Memorial Baptist Church,

Elgin, Texas

New Testament

Rev. Paul Jacks

Lifeline Christian Fellowship

Round Rock, Texas

Prayer

Rev. Paul Jacks

Selections

“Precious Lord”       "When I see Jesus"

Paul March

Remarks

Eulogy: Rev. Paul Jacks       Benediction: Psalm 23:1-6

Pallbearers

Tyrone Grant    Anthony Green   Willie Warren

Johnathan Floyd   Quincy Ockletree    Chris Floyd

Acknowledgements 

The family of Whitney Latrice Floyd-Kerr would like to say a special thank you to all the friends and family who are here to attend, and to those who are here in spirit. We are deeply appreciative of all the kindness shown to us during our time of bereavement. May God richly bless and keep each of you in His perfect peace

Internment

Cook Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery

Pflugerville, Texas 78660

Funeral Service

King-Tears Mortuary, Inc.

Austin, Texas 78702

A celebration of life: Rose Ann Smith-Daniels

Family Genealogy

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

    Matthew 11:28-29

Rose Ann Smith-Daniels was born May 12, 1954 in Austin, Texas to Gertrude Elizabeth Fowler-Smith and Ernest Smith, Sr. She was the middle child, having two older sisters, a brother and the last child. Rose Ann was a twin; her sister died at birth. Rose, Ernest, Jr. and Kaffey were Gertrude’s second set of children. Marie and Dorothy are the oldest daughters.

Getting pregnant, starting a second family surprised us all, including Gertrude herself. I was 13 years old, Marie was 9.

Rose was complex and stubborn, friendly and unfriendly. Her mood dictated her attitude and behavior. She lived life on her own terms no matter the beginning or ending consequences. 

She was a pretty, chubby baby. She had what is called in the Black community “good hair.” I loved combing her hair and dressing her up like a doll.

Rose attended elementary and high school, but did not graduate. She had one daughter, Alicia Smith, her only child, was born November 19, 1971. Rose married twice, the first being to Walter Smith in 1980, and then George Daniels in 1995. No children were born to these two unions.

After years of suffering an illness that finally took her life, Rose Ann died Saturday, October 24, 2020. She lived her life as she saw fit. Rose Ann molded the life she wanted to live. 

Her daughter Alicia Smith-Rucker said, “My mother had no filter”.

Rose Ann at my house

At her memorial a prayer was led by Brion Kimble; scripture readings by Kylel Rucker and Tierra Smith; song selection by Bianca Rucker, remarks were made by family members, closing prayer was led by Brandy Rucker.

Comments of remembrance were voiced by her grandchildren: Brittany Rucker said, “My grandmother was fearless. She was a free spirted woman, and that is what I will forever remember”.

Brion Kimble said: “My grandmother was strong, fierce and fearless”.

Brandy Rucker said: “My grandmother was resilient, and she beat all the odds in life. She was a gift to have, and a joy to be around. She loved her family and her love us what she will be remembered by”.

Relatives that passed on before Rose Ann are her parents Gertrude (2/10/1990) and Ernest Smith (2/24/1986), her brother Ernest Smith, Jr., (5/5/2010), Leora Fowler Sterling (10/4/1982), her grandmother; nephew Terrance Jermaine Smith (9/30/1976), Imogene Fowler Gray (8/24/1961), an aunt, Pearl Turner Powell-Brown (4/28/1959) her great-great grandmother, Horace Banks, Jr. (12/18/2007, a nephew, Raymond Fowler, Sr. (10/31/1977), an uncle, Johnny Mose Fowler, (9/17/1991), an uncle, Mose Fowler, Sr., (7/15/1966) her grandfather, Isiah Fowler, (7/18/1983), an uncle.

Rose leaves behind her daughter, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren to remember and celebrate her life: Alicia Rucker, Bianca Rucker, Brion Kimble, Tierra Smith,
Brandy Rucker, Amber Smith, Kylel Ricks, Brittany Rucker. Great-grandchildren: Jamarion, Jaxin, Jalia, Adrin, Braylon, Jenesis, Brooklyn. Also her sisters: Dorothy Charles-Banks, Marie Charles-Ockletree, Kaffey Smith-Nunn and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

To send Rose Ann Smith-Daniels off to her final journey, balloons were released at 3:30 p.m. at the gravesite of her mother, Gertrude Fowler-Smith. Her ashes were scatted in the same spot.

Rose Ann's immediate family.

Rose Ann with brother Ernest a few days before he died.

Laura Jean Ockletree Floyd, 10/6/1960-11/12/2018

Family Genealogy 

Her Hand

by Maggie Pittman

Her hands held me gently from the day I took my first breath,
Her hands help to guide me as I took my first step,
Her hands held me close when tears would start to fall,
Her hands were quick to show me that she would take care of all.

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A Family Tribute to Laura Jean Ockletree Floyd

 by Dorothy Charles Banks

Laura Jean Ockletree Floyd

Laura Jean Ockletree was the first daughter born to Marie Ockletree. The special bond between mother and child commenced the day Laura came into the world one early morning October 6, 1960. Marie recalls her joy at becoming a mother. The tiny baby that she held in her arms was her precious pride and joy. 

Marie recalls that her baby girl taught her how to be a mother; how to be responsible at 18. She had the hands and love filled heart to guide and push her child through her teenage years, through womanhood; eventually watching her experience marriage and motherhood. 

When Laura and J.D. Floyd got married two children were born from that union: Jonathan and Whitney, her first born daughter.

It goes without saying that first born sons and daughters are stealers of their parents’ hearts. No other child in the world is cuter or smarter. Even though Laura gave birth to a daughter, when she adopted her six months old niece, it was like giving birth to another daughter. That’s how tightly she embraced 

the baby girl born to her sister Everea. 

Sharita Ockletree was born with multiple problems, but Laura did not see a baby that was less than a perfect. Love ruled. Laura’s love was not going to let this fragile baby girl get entangled in a state system that would have stifled her life, and her growth. The bond between these two was unbreakable. They were each other’s world.

The Bible tells us that our days are numbered. They are few and full of trouble. We enter the world like a flower and then fade away, says the Bible. Those numbered days begin at conception. Death is the dreaded enemy that stepped forward when Laura’s number was posted on God’s bulletin board. Death, despite being a part of life, has the power to snatch all joy and happiness in the blink of an eye. 

Just like Marie vividly remembers the day Laura was born, she remembers the day Laura was taken from her, a mere 37 days after her 58^th birthday. Marie’s protecting hands could not grab Laura out of death’s jaws. Whether it was intuition or God preparing for a death in the family, Marie began having dreams about Laura. Her self-analysis of the dreams were troubling. She prayed and talked to God, asking him to take her, “not my child.” As a mother she was ready to exchange her number for Laura’s. Parents tend to reason that their children should bury them, not the other way around. After Laura’s death Marie’s dreams stopped.

“On the day I learned of her death, all I could say is, ‘No! No! No, not my baby!’ When I saw her lying on the floor, not moving and cold, I had a feeling of disbelief. When the coroner put her on the gurney, they let us say our last good-bye. I couldn’t accept her death. I still haven’t.”

Following the usual holiday routine, Laura planned on going to Marie’s house for Thanksgiving. Because Marie is the better cook everyone gathered to her house. Together,

Laura

mother and daughter were going to cook a Thanksgiving feast. Laura had already decided that she was going to make potato salad. 

Sadly, Laura had another unforeseen date that she had to keep; a date that was planned in advance long, long ago. On November 12, 2018 she departed this earth, sealing her predetermined destiny. 

Although Laura has traveled “up yonder” to meet her Lord, memories of her spirit will live on through family and friends, many of whom spoke glowingly of her at the funeral. Her sons recalled memories of their mother, paying emotional tributes; acquaintances recalled the friend who was always ready to help them when they needed it. Laura's former pastor recalled her determination and drive to increase the church’s membership, which she did. Her mother Marie is already missing the daily phone calls and conversations. Despite of her physical loss she still have years of memories to hang onto.

Laura (right) with son and daughter Whitney and Quincy

Oldest daughter Whitney and Laura

Laura's youngest daughter ShaRita

Chris, Laura's son

Jonathan, Laura's son

Replica of funeral program

___________________________________________________

In Loving Memory of

Laura Jean Ockletree Floyd

Sunrise   October 6, 1960                  Sunset  November 12, 2018

For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. Sot then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:8

Saturday, November 17, 2018                                       12:00 PM

King Tears Mortuary Chapel                          1300 East 12th Street    
Austin, Texas 78702

Officiant                                        Rev. Robert Paul Jacks

Obituray Laura Jean Ockletree Floyd was born October 6, 1960 to Marie Ockletree and Dave Ockletree, Austin, Texas. Laura passed away on November 12, 2018. Laura had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone. Her grandsons adored their "Mamaw" immensely. She touched many lives  and will be sorely missed. Laura leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Christopher Ockletree, Quincy Ockletree and Jonathan Floyd; two daughters, Whitney Floyd (Clinton Kerr) and Sharita Ockletree,  all of whom resides in Austin, Texas; mother, Marie Ockletree of Austin, Texas; father Dave Ockletree, Jr. (Billie) of Temple, Texas; two sisters, Everea Wilkins of Temple, Texas and Sandra Elaine Ockletree of Round Rock, Texas; two brothers Dave A. Ockletree (Latoya) of Vidalia, Georgia and Erick Adams (Khasi) of Temple, Texas; grandsons, Caleb Kerr, Clinton Kerr, Jr., Aniyah Ockletree, Masiah Ockletree; nieces Shanna Castelan and Shametra Ockletree-Horton (Allen) and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Order of Service

Processional                                                             Clergy, Casket, Bearers and Family

Scripture Reading                                                                        Rev. Robert Paul Jacks

Prayer                                                                                         Rev. Robert Paul Jacks

A Family Tribute                                                                                  Quincy Ockletree

Remarks                                                                                  Please limit to 2 minutes

Musical Selection                                                                  "His Eye is on the Sparrow"

Eulogy                                                                                        Rev. Robert Paul Jacks

Recessional

"Goin' Up Yonder"

Casket Bearers

Christopher Ockletree                                                                  Quincy Ockletree

               Drailand Bell                                                                        Jose Castelan

 A.G. Green                                                                                      Fontae Ockletree

Honorary Casket Bearers

Caleb Kerr                                                         Clinton "C.J." Kerr

Eric Moran                                                        Clinton Kerr

Family Acknowledge

Our family extends our sincere appreciation for the heartfelt condolences and prayers extended to us. Our hearts have been warmed by your expressions of love and concern.

Internment

Cooks-Walden Capital Parks
14501 N IH-35
  Pflugerville, Texas

Obituray

Laura Jean Ockletree Floyd was born October 6, 1960 to Marie Ockletree and Dave Ockletree, Austin, Texas. Laura passed away on November 12, 2018. Laura had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone. Her grandsons adored their "Mamaw" immensely. She touched many lives  and will be sorely missed.

Laura leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Christopher Ockletree, Quincy Ockletree and Jonathan Floyd; two daughters, Whitney Floyd (Clinton Kerr) and Sharita Ockletree,  all of whom resides in Austin, Texas; mother, Marie Ockletree of Austin, Texas; father Dave Ockletree, Jr. (Billie) of Temple, Texas; two sisters, Everea Wilkins of Temple, Texas and Sandra Elaine Ockletree of Round Rock, Texas; two brothers Dave A. Ockletree (Latoya) of Vidalia, Georgia and Erick Adams (Khasi) of Temple, Texas; grandsons, Caleb Kerr, Clinton Kerr, Jr., Aniyah Ockletree, Masiah Ockletree; nieces Shanna Castelan and Shametra Ockletree-Horton (Allen) and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Leora Fowler Hill: 1951-2012, Los Angeles

Family Genealogy

Leora Fowler Hill

Death is an equalizer. For the deceased all debts, both physical and emotional, are paid in full.  Death does not discriminate. It does not care if you are famous, old, rich, poor, young, sick or healthy. And to no one's surprise, death has a way of appearing at the most inconvenient times.  But the Bible warns us. It tells us that our days are few and numbered. None of us know when that number will be called.

Contrary to what some people say, I do not believe anyone is totally prepared to go with death when they look at its face. In moments of severe illness I believe a death notice makes us realize just how much we want to live. We discover there are goals we want to achieve, adventures we want to experience, roads we want to travel. Death does not give us time to mend broken relationships or, time to say "I’m sorry" to someone we might have hurt with harsh words and accusations.
 

Death lets us know that we are privileged to live for a very short time. Compared to eternity, a mere century plus is short. Life lets us know that we are all tiny grains of sand passing through this life without much notice. If you are famous your grain of sand evolves into a small rock that leaves ripples when thrown into a pool of water. But even those small rocks dissolve, becoming grains of sand again.

On January 31, 2012 another death occurred in this family: Leora Fowler Hill, died of a heart attack in Los Angeles, where she lived. Leora, her brothers and sister came to live in Austin, Texas after the untimely death of their mother, Priscilla Fowler. They were all small children, and Freddie was still a baby.

I still remember Leora as a little girl. She had her own personality, and she was on the stubborn side. She had a way of rolling her eyes, letting you know that she was angry or that she did not like you.

After leaving Austin they returned to Texas to visit periodically. Over the years we lost contact with each other. It was quite by accident that Freddie discovered my blog. I started the blog as a tool relatives could use if they decided to search our family genealogy, beginning with relatives in Texas.  

Freddie said he was looking for a friend, keying in that person's name when he accidentally found my blog. For an unexplained reason, the name Charles H. Rector, a distant cousin in Texas, popped up. Freddie said he recognized the name, and after reading his profile, he recognized the names of relatives that Charles left behind after his death. I couldn't believe it! I had been searching for them for years, and had given up the search when Freddie left a comment on my blog, July 10, 2011. I was overjoyed to hear from them. I talked to him, Leora, Wayne and Sandra for hours at separate times.  Life works in mysterious ways. We made contact with each other again after more than 30 years. I'm glad I got a chance to talk to Leora before she passed on. Our re-acquaintance was short lived.

Leora, 61, named after her Texas grandmother, was laid to rest Saturday, January 14, 2912. Service was held at Simpson Family Mortuary; Dr. Lovely Haynes, officiated. Below is a portion of the funeral program.

Leora Fowler Hill--1951-2012

 Obituary

Leora Hill was was born on August 7, 1951 in Lorain, Ohio to Raymond Edward Fowler, Sr. and Priscella Jane Douthit. Leora was the fourth of six children. Her parents, Raymond and Priscilla Jane Douthit Fowler, her older brother Raymond Fowler, preceded her in death. 

Leora received her early education in Lorain, Ohio. After high school she had two children, Tonii Fowler and Troy Fowler (who preceded her in death).

Leora began her career at the Ford Motor Plant and loved her job, but moved to California in 1981 to make a better life for herself and her daughter in  In 1982  she met the man that she would spend her remaining days with, her best friend, Wayne Hill. They joined in union on March 29, 1985.
 

Leora worked 23 years as a state employee with the State of California, Board of Equalization. She was a dedicated and hard worker. She was an activist in her union, SEIU Local 1000. She also served as chair of the Committee on Political Education (COPE) for Southern California. Although she earned many accolades for her union contributions, her biggest accomplishment was being honored to serve as president of local 1000's District Labor Council 723. She was a great leader for state employees in Los Angeles County. Being president was one of her proudest moments, and she was elated each time she met a politician.

Leora was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She leaves to cherish her husband of 26 years, Wayne Hill,  her daughter Tonii Brady (Deon) of Los Angeles; stepson Wayne Hill of Baltimore, MD; six grandchildren: Adia Nichole Brady, Mia Leann Brady, Deon Lamount Brady, Jr. of Los Angeles; Daemir Hill, Fairen Hill and Wayne Hill of Baltmore, MD; one great grandchild (Daemir); siblings: Sandra E. Fowler, Wayne Fowler, Freddie Fowler, Jerome Fowler, Bruce Fowler and Lynette Pryor; special nieces Carla, Tracie, Charlena, Tanasha, Priscella; and a host of nieces, nephews, loving cousins and a countless number of friends.

Below is a tribute to Leora from her sister Sandra and her daughter Nikki.

Sister

In my heart you'll live on.

I wish you sweet rest, my sister dear.

You'll live on in my heart.

Unspoken words we all left behind;

Undone things we'll never do,

No sharing thoughts we will never kn ow.

You'll live on in my heart.

The Bible says that God will open their eyes.

No suffering, sickness. Yes, not even pain. 

In Jesus we have eternal life.

You'll live on in my heart.

I love you.

Your sis, Sandra.  

My Mommy 

A tribute written by Nicki

Either you loved her or disliked her
She didn't care which one you chose
She'd handle you accordingly as all her friends know

Not a fake or a phony, she loved the ones she loved
 And you always knew where she was coming 
From because she believed in tough love
 

Never a more passionate person you'd ever see on these streets 
She was short and petite but a "Bad" piece of meat!
 

A real mover and shaker she couldn't keep her still
 Ready to unionize  the world to help workers get the best deal

She fought so many causes and touched so many lives 
Earning the respect of many even those once despised
 

Say what they want, say what they will 
One thing's for sure, your shoes will never be filled
 I love your passion, I love your drive
 I love your commitment and the sparkle in your eyes

You, my dear mommy, I will never forget
 I love you now, always and forever
On that you can bet.

Nicki