Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Florine Evayonne Gwynn, 79, of Morgantown, WV, formerly of Beckley, WV passed away on May 19, 2022 after a long illness.

Florine was born on January 16, 1944 to Flauzell and Jean Calhoun in Beckley, WV, she was the second oldest of eight children.

At a young age, along with her family, she moved to Buffalo, NY. She lived and attended school there until she was 17. At age 17, she and her 4 children moved back to Beckley, WV. Determined to accomplish every goal and dream she had for her and her children, Florine received her GED and attended Beckley College in Beckley, WV. Florine received her Associates degree in Psychology from Beckley College. She went on to get her Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bluefield State College. She received her Masters degree in Counseling and Guidance with an area of specialization in Correctional Counseling and Psychotherapy along with two years of Law School. She later received a certification in Co-Ocurring Disorders Professional Diplomat. Florine had 41 years of experience in training, developing, implementing and administering Programs for high school drop-outs, at-risk student counseling programs, teen pregnancy and sex equity program and many more programs for troubled teenagers and children. She also developed, implemented and administered Senior Citizens programs such as Meals on Wheels/Congregate meals and social service programming and activities. During her time of teaching at Bluefield State College, she developed the curriculum for non-traditional in-service students who were Police officers, probation officers, and other traditional students; established, set-up, developed curriculum for off-campus Criminal Justice Administration program, taught all of the courses, advised and counseled all the students in the off-campus program, and collaborated with both undergraduate and Graduate degree programs to develop degree program disciplines. Florine later began working as a therapist in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center named Another Way. While working as a therapist she moved into the developing and implementing of addiction treatment therapeutic programs for females and therapeutic programs for men with co-occuring disorders. She became Clinical Director and remained in this position until she retired. Florine had many trades along with all the above listed achievements, she was a seamstress and owned her own catering service. She was active in the church and she was a member of Eastern Star. She was always full of life and encouraged everyone to achieve their dreams and goals. Florine was an extraordinary and strong woman who worked hard to achieve her success. She always wanted better and more for herself and her family.

Florine was very family oriented and centered her life around her 5 children, grandchildren and family. She married the love of her life Herman L. Gwynn in 1978 and remained married until he was called home to be with the Lord in 1994.

Florine was proceeded in death by father, Flauzell Calhoun Sr.; mother, Jean Daisy Wright Calhoun; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Jordan Wright; three sons, Robert and Calvin Everhart and Gary Gwynn; one daughter; Florine Everhart; one great-grandchild, Marcell Yanders; one brother, Robert James Calhoun and two sisters, Rephenie Sagere and Betty Lou Scales.

Florine leaves behind to cherish her memories one son, Alvin Everhart of Morgantown, WV; three daughters: Catherine Thomas Savannah, GA, Towanna Gwynn-Johnson(Gilbertto) of Beckley, WV and Cheryl Gwynn Columbus, OH; one brother, Flauzell (Carol) Calhoun Jr. of Menfee CA; two sisters, Mozell Brown of Morgantown, WV and Alein Tyree of Baltimore, MD; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, May 27, 2022 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior to the funeral service.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.