Meet Florence
Florence Lucille Longsdorf Berry is being recognized for her many attributes as well as her positive impacts on Maroa-Forsyth High School students and the surrounding communities. A graduate of Maroa High School in 1938, Florence enjoyed school and all that athletics could provide young men and women. In June of 1944, she married William F. Berry. Florence became the Lovington High School girls P.E. coach for two years, and then in 1947, she became the Maroa-Forsyth HS girls P.E. teacher for some 25 years. During her time at MFHS, Florence formed the Maroa-Forsyth Girls Athletic Association in order to provide extra-curricular athletic opportunities for young women. In the early 50’s, these activities included swimming lessons at the Decatur YWCA, intramural basketball, and archery. The athletic opportunities, skills, and confidence that Florence provided for young women was invaluable. In December of 2000, Florence passed away in her home in Maroa at the age of 79.