Florence Massenburg Batten

Florence M. Batten, 93, transitioned to be with her husband Clem, on Saturday, April 11, 2020. Florence was born September 10, 1926 to the late John Henry and Florence Holloway Massenburg. She graduated from Isle of Wight Training School and went to Norfolk State College for a couple of years. Florence was a loving and quiet person. She was a faithful and active member of Brown's A.M.E. Church where she retired as the organist for over 30 years. Florence served on many organizations in the Church. She was a substitute teacher for many years to help raise her children. Florence loved her family. Florence was preceded in death by her husband and all of her siblings. She was a lifelong resident of Smithfield, Virginia. Florence was the oldest living person in the Rising Star Community. Florence is survived by her children, Arttress Askew of Detroit, Michigan; Glen Batten of Ecorse, Michigan; Alma Gayton of Manassas, VA; and Cynthia Watson of Carrollton, VA, two sisters-in-law, Rev. Deloris Wooten and Mrs. Mable Taliaferro (Harry) of Carrollton, VA , brothers-in-law, Palfus Batten, Carrollton, VA, Dalton Batten (Sylvia) Smithfield, VA, and Illinois Batten, (Barbara), Louisville, Kentucky; seven grandchildren, Omedia Cutler of Norfolk, VA; Danielle, Dandridge of Detroit, MI; Breon Batten of West Palm Beach, FL; Ebony Carter (Brandon) of Manassas, VA; Christopher Washington of Detroit, MI; Glen Batten Jr. of Kalamazoo, MI; Brandon Watson of Carrollton, VA and Kortea (Star) Askew of Atlanta, GA; 4 great-grandchildren, Jaedan and Jordynn Carter; and Devin and Desmond Dandridge; two Goddaughters, Torsha (Tyrone Garland) and Michaiah Lemon; Caretaker Denise (Shelly) Williams and a host of relatives and friends. Florence was Nana, Aunt and Friends to many. Loving and kind in all his ways, upright and just to the end of his days, sincere and true in his heart and mind, beautiful memories she left behind. A viewing will be held Tuesday April 14, 2020 from 4-6pm at ShiversFuneral Chapel. The burial will be private at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Mrs. Batten is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel.

A viewing will be held Tuesday April 14, 2020 from 4-6pm at ShiversFuneral Chapel. The burial will be private at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Mrs. Batten is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel.