ABOUT
THE FOUNDER

Ms. Flora, affectionately known as Ms. Johnson or Flora Belle Wilson in her early days, was born to the late Deacon James and Elouise Wilson. A native Miamian, she was the oldest of six girls and a proud graduate of North Dade High School Class of 1961. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Bunche Park where her father, Deacon James Wilson, was one of the founding members. 

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Flora married after high school and gave birth to her first three children: James, Patrice, and Rashid. It would be years later that “Flora’s Kids” would be completed with the birth of her youngest child, Yukai. Flora was a loving and committed mother, grandmother,
and great grandmother. Her encouragement pushed her offspring to have successful careers in the military, law enforcement, real estate and arts, and in higher education. She was the loudest
cheerleader at games and was always proud of whatever her family did. Time with grandma meant being creative and learning, and she enjoyed traveling to see her family for any event. Her grandchildren and great grands all picked up skills and support from their biggest fan: grandma.

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Flora loved her community and served it in many capacities. In her earlier years, she coached softball at Ingraham Park, and would later find herself serving as a beloved cheerleading coach at Scott Park. In schools, Flora served as a coach and mentor, and was a faithful team parent and PTA member for Miami Carol Senior High School. She continued to volunteer at Bunche Park Elementary, supporting the wellness of the school, even with no children or grandchildren attending. She would later also have the opportunity to support her grandchildren as she did her youngest child at North Dade Center for Modern Languages (CML) by becoming the “school
grandma.”

 

Flora believed in investing in her community. She spent decades faithfully working as a voting poll worker for her local precinct. Her commitment to voting and good government earned her the affectionate title, “Mayor of Miami Gardens.” She was the person to know if you wanted to know what was happening in the city. When she believed in you, she was your advocate and spokesperson. She challenged candidates and officials to be the best in their roles, and encouraged people to get involved and make Miami Gardens a great place to live and work. She loved her city and was a dedicated volunteer for all of the local events. Her bright smile could often be seen at Jazz in the Gardens, health fairs, fashion shows, and other community events.

Caring for her infirmed father in his last years birthed what would be her final service organization: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Association, Inc. (GRGA). GRGA is a nonprofit that provides resources for grandparents and elder caregivers that serve as primary caregivers
or guardians for young children. Flora worked diligently connecting the grandparents and grandchildren with supplies and resources.

She was recognized for her service by God’s Original Daughters Community Development Corporation; Alliance for Aging; Women of Power; Florida Memorial University; and the City of Miami Gardens.