Florence Victoria Anthony Etefia, a pioneering school psychologist, devoted educator, and longtime member of the Pontiac and Auburn Hills communities, passed away on September 5, 2026, at the age of 80.

Florence was born in Alton, Illinois, to Esau and Zula Mae Anthony. After losing her mother as a young toddler, she was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Mary Anthony, her father, and her stepmother, Pearl Taylor-Anthony. Florence confessed Christ at an early age, was baptized, and was affiliated with Providence Missionary Baptist Church and Southside Church of God.

Educated in the Pontiac school system, Florence attended Whittier Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, and Pontiac Central High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Oakland University, and both an Education Specialist degree and a Master of Arts degree from Wayne State University.

Florence devoted her professional life to educating, supporting, and advocating for children. She served as a special-education teacher, school psychologist, consultant, tutor, and union representative for the Pontiac Education Association. She made history as the first African American school psychologist in the Pontiac School District and was honored by the Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of Pontiac for this groundbreaking accomplishment.

Her distinguished career earned her recognition from Marquis Who’s Who Top Health Care Professionals, inclusion in more than 55 editions of Who’s Who, and the 2021 Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. Florence was also a charter member and the first secretary of the Pontiac Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Her commitment to creativity and community extended to North Star Theater, where she designed sets, created artwork for productions, and served as president for one year.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Esau and Zula Mae Anthony; her stepmother, Pearl Taylor-Anthony; her siblings, Freddie Lee Anthony, Beatrice Malone, C.W. Anthony, and Ruth Madison; her nephew, Bruce Ingram; and her niece, Phyllis Ingram-Powell (Jerome).

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sister, Jennie Mai Ingram; her sister-in-law, Bessie Anthony; her nephews, Brian, Glenn (LaCreisha), Darryl (Laura), Vincent, Lawrence (Ruby), and David; her nieces, Tanya (Billy) and Cheryl; and a loving extended family of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sorority sisters, former colleagues, students, and dear friends.