Florence Barbara Parisi Strano

Florence Barbara Parisi Strano, fondly known as Flo to her friends and family, departed this life on March 30, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, selflessness, and unwavering optimism. Born on March 14, 1942, in the bustling city of New York, Flo's journey began with a challenging start as she entered the world in foster care. Despite these early obstacles, she grew into a resilient and spirited individual who would go on to touch the lives of many with her sassy Italian charm and generous heart.

Flo was a proud product of the Catholic school system in New York, where she learned the values of discipline and faith that would guide her throughout her life. Her passion for beauty and her artistic touch led her to cosmetology trade school, where she honed her skills and emerged as a talented hairdresser. She spent many fulfilling years wielding scissors and combs in New York before venturing southward.

In the early 1970s, Flo made a bold move from New York to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, seeking new opportunities and adventures under the sun. There, she continued her work as a hairdresser and also found joy serving patrons as a barmaid at a local golf course. Her warm smile and engaging personality made her a favorite among the clientele, and she quickly became a beloved figure in her community.

Eventually, Flo's journey took her from the sunny shores of Florida to the welcoming arms of Dothan, Alabama in the late 1980s. It was here that she became a familiar face at Bud's Barber Shop, where she continued to practice her craft until her well-deserved retirement. Clients and colleagues alike cherished Flo for her skilled hands and her ability to turn any frown upside down with her infectious laughter and stories.

Above all, Flo was a devoted mother to her son, Nick Strano (Michelle), and her daughter, Ann Navarra (Josh Stevens). As a hardworking single mother, she never faltered in her commitment to ensure her children had everything they needed. Her sacrifices and dedication to her family were a testament to her loving and selfless nature. Flo's children remember her as the rock of their family, a woman who balanced the demands of work and motherhood with grace and tenacity.

Flo's interests and hobbies were as vibrant and diverse as her personality. She was a woman who could light up a room with her presence and whose laughter was both heartwarming and contagious. Her zest for life and her ability to see the good in every situation were qualities that endeared her to all who knew her.

Flo's story is one of triumph over adversity, of a woman who faced life's challenges with courage and a smile. Her friends and family will remember her as the sassy Italian with a heart of gold, a woman who lived her life with an unshakeable optimism that inspired everyone around her.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604