Florida Ann Niblock

The life of Florida Ann Niblock, born Florida Ann Christopher on August 19, 1944, to Hazel and Oliver Christopher in Ventress Louisiana, the youngest of six girls. She developed a style of her own very quickly as she grew older. She discovered a love and a talent for singing and at the age of 19 years old, she followed in her two eldest sister’s footsteps and moved to California–partially to experience life away from her place–but also with hopes of developing a singing career–but love found her first and before she knew it, she had become a young mother at the age of 20 on July 28, 1964 she gave birth to her son, Terrence.  This event altered her pursuits, and with a strong work ethic and a kind heart, she turned her eye towards a nursing career.  As life moved forward, just two days before her 25th birthday, she welcomed her baby girl into her life, Tara, and within five years she was a single mother of two. This is when she discovered an unmatched work ethic–she never let life challenges get her down.  She became a private caregiver working through an agency still with the hopes of becoming a nurse someday. Always keeping her desire for more in life for her and her two children at the forefront, when the opportunity presented itself, she became a city bus operator for the Rapid Transit District (RTD). This allowed her to provide a stable home for she and her two children.  Decades later as an empty nester, she relocated to Denver Colorado where her youngest brother, Murphy Christopher, and his wife Fania Christopher had established a home.

It was there she met the love of her life, Mr. Jack Niblock.  Originally from Indiana, she was so impressed by his old school dating style–he proved to be a gentleman’s, gentleman and naturally their relationship and love for one another grew.  They relocated from Denver to Indiana, where they were married in 1997 and lived out the rest of their days together and in love.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Niblock; her father and mother, Oliver and Hazel Christopher; two sisters, Sadie, and Gertrude.  She is survived by three other sisters, Inez Tusaint, Marjorie Colone and Joyce Cushenberry; two brothers, Hansel, and Murphy Christopher; her two children, Terrance and Tara; twelve grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews all across the United States.

A Personal Tribute from Your Son, Terrance

Mom, I love and respect everything about you. I’ll never forget you, your wicked sense of humor and love for music and dance, but mostly the sacrifices you made for Tara and myself.  We lived a good life we didn’t have a lot, but you always made us feel secure to the point I had no idea that we were poor, looking back. It didn’t matter because you were always there. I know we here on earth are heartbroken to lose you, but you’re now with God, Jack, your siblings, your mother and father. I’m glad you are no longer in pain, the resilience you showed throughout this ordeal has forever changed my life. I will honor you in everything that I do and promise to continue to be the man that you raised and respected. Until I’m in your presence again, I love you mommie.