Florence “Ms. Flo” Harris

February 5, 1963 – May 30, 2026

Florence Harris, known and loved by many as “Ms. Flo” or simply “Mom,” passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 63.

Born on February 5, 1963, in Port Norris, New Jersey, Florence was the beloved daughter of Margaret Jones and Floyd White Sr. She was a loving mother, grandmother, protector, caregiver, and friend who made everyone around her feel like family.

If you knew Ms. Flo, you knew you would always be welcomed with love, good food, and plenty of laughs. She was known throughout the community for her big heart, fearless personality, infectious laugh, and amazing cooking. Family and friends always looked forward to gathering around her table and enjoying one of her meals because nobody ever left Ms. Flo’s house hungry.

Her home was more than just a place to live — it was a place where people felt safe, loved, and cared for. She opened her doors to everyone, looked after neighborhood children, checked in on people, and made sure nobody felt alone. Over the years, she became a second mother to many, and even those who were not related to her lovingly called her “Mom.”

Ms. Flo enjoyed watching movies, shopping, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She could always find a good deal and loved sharing those moments with the people she cared about most. Florence deeply loved her entire family, including her siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and everyone she considered family. She had a strong and fearless spirit, balanced with a soft heart full of compassion. She believed in protecting the people she loved and giving tough love when it was needed.

More than anything, her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her laughter, wisdom, strength, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Diajuna McLean, 38, of Salisbury, Maryland; Nerissa McLean, 37, of Owings Mills, Maryland; Cinderella White, 36, of Salisbury, Maryland; Florene White-McLean, 34, of Salisbury, Maryland; and Raymond McLean, 33, of Salisbury, Maryland; 21 beloved grandchildren; her husband, James Tankard; her sisters, Claudean Williams of Bridgeton, New Jersey, and Stephanie Jones of Millville, New Jersey; her brothers, Marcel Jones of New Jersey and Floyd White Jr. of Florida; her beloved aunt, Gwendolyn White of Salisbury, Maryland; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Florence was preceded in death by her daughter, Octavia McLean; her mother, Margaret Jones; her father, Floyd White Sr.; and her sisters, Peggy White and Carrie White.

Ms. Flo’s love, laughter, strength, and presence will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. While her passing leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of those who loved her, the love and care she gave so freely will continue to live on through her family, friends, and community.

Her legacy will always be one of love, strength, compassion, food, and family. To so many people, Ms. Flo was more than family or friend — she was home.