Florence Marie Kenty

Florence Marie Harrold Kenty was born August 13, 1927 in Austin, Texas to Davis Harrold and Fannie Lee Storey.

She professed faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age. Through the years she was active in the church and enjoyed singing.

She was a member of Christian Assembly Church in Columbus , Ohio for three decades at the time of her transition under the pastoral care of Pastor Torry Gligora and the late Reverend Samuel Farina. On occasion she ministered in the nursery, enjoyed baking for the annual crafts bizarre, assisted with neighborhood bible club activities and was always eager to attend Wednesday bible study. She was able to continue to thrive and grow spiritually in a community of believers whom she trusted and felt safe. She viewed her scheduled time of fellowship with the members of the “mailing committee” as rewarding.

She was also an avid sports fan. She enjoyed boxing, of course, and OSU football. Florence’s most cherished gift was a signed football from Archie Griffin and Coach Jim Tressel.

By the age of 22, Florence married Forrest Winchester Sr. and moved to Houston, Texas where they had five children and a sixth born in Austin, Texas. After that marriage ended, she was married to Butler “Biggie” Kenty Jr, an airman 1st class. Her family grew and was blessed with a seventh child. Because Kenty was in the Air Force relocation was inevitable and the family was relocated to Wichita, Kansas where she was blessed with an eighth child to complete the family.

While in Kansas, Florence completed cosmetology training and licensed with managerial status. After several years the family was once again relocated to Columbus, Ohio. To obtain her dream of owning a business, Florence returned to cosmetology school to obtain licensure in Ohio and opened a beauty salon on the eastside of Columbus. Later, Florence was employed by the Columbus Public School System and retired from CPS after twenty years of service. After retirement, Florence enjoyed her family, church and friends until the time of her passing.

After several months of prolonged illness Florence departed this life on Thursday, March 27, 2025, three hours after one of her sons departed.

Florence was a devoted, loving mother who instilled Christian principles in her children and showed compassion for those in need. She is preceded in death by her parents: Davis Harrold and Fannie Winn, husbands Forrest Winchester Sr and Butler Kenty Jr; children: Linda Jane and Forrest Winchester Jr; siblings, Davis Harrold Jr, Hilmer Harrold, Lorene Riley, Laura Ivory, Dorothy Lewis, Eva Bradley, several nieces and nephew in Austin, Texas; daughter-in-law Maria Winchester; grandson Paul Callender II of Columbus, Ohio and great grand-daughter Emery Harraway of Avon, Ohio.

Florence leaves six children to celebrate her life and continue the family legacy: Carol Winchester, Tommie (Andre) Harraway, Jackie (Maria) Winchester, Hilmer (Tracey) Kenty; Wanda Kenty; Gary (Jeanine Martell) Kenty; twenty-two grandchildren; forty-eight great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews in Austin, Texas and Baltimore, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Care360 Hospice by visiting https://www.care360hospice.com/donations