Florene Forte Guess

“A Virtuous Woman, who can find? Her children rise up and call her blessed…”
Florene Forte Guess, 85, lovingly known to her family as Tiny, Babe, and Mongie, and remembered by many as Miss Flo or “Po’ Flo”, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2020, at The Presbyterian Home in Quitman. Surrounded by her children, she finished her earthly race and is now enjoying the prize she prepared for her entire life. Florene became a Christian as a teenager and lived a faithful life devoted to the Lord, including serving Him as a member of the Forrest Park Church of Christ. Her children and family witnessed daily, through good times and bad, the joy that living a life of faith can bring. One of her many gifts was the ability to give to those in need. Whether family, friend, or stranger, her home and her heart were always open. Her smile, her laughter, and the twinkle in her eye will forever be remembered as testaments of her sweet spirit and pure heart. She will be dearly missed, but her precious legacy lives on in the lives of those who loved her.

Florene was born in Hahira, Georgia, on November 10, 1934 to B.O. and Mildred Forte. She was one of seven children. For 52 years she was married to the absolute love of her life, Edward Elisha “Po Ed” Guess. He was her world and she was his, and watching them navigate life together was a blessing. They worked hand in hand, side by side, all the while building their faith, their family, and a local business. Po’ Ed’s Restaurant was known for delicious food, but the atmosphere of love, laughter, and family brought their customers back time after time. The memory of the love they shared and the faith that carried them through their lives together is the gift they leave behind for their children, their family, and their friends.

Florene is survived by 3 children, Tina Harrell (Charlie) of Hahira, Scott Guess (Ann) of Valdosta, and Lori Belote (Chip) of Jennings, Florida; 7 Grandchildren, Ryan Thursby (Gina), Eli Harrell, Scotty Sapp (Lauren), Todd Sapp, Devlin Belote (Nicole), Morgan Belote Sistrunk, Dylan Everett (Brittany), Candice Sapp, McKenzie Davis, and Dalton Tomlinson; 12 Great-Grandchildren, Josh Thursby, Layla Sapp, Lilly Sapp, Skylie Sapp, Brody Sapp, Olivia Sistrunk, Brooklyn Belote, Noah Belote, Gracelyn Belote, Garrison Jenkins, Tanner Firth and Autumn Everett; 2 sisters, Faye Leek and Dora Agnes Clark; special sisters-in-law, and many precious nieces and nephews. She also leaves her faithful canine friend and companion, Belle. Florene was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Elisha “Po Ed” Guess, a loving daughter, Sandy Sapp, and 4 brothers, Ronald Forte, Wesley Forte, Mike Forte and Gene Forte.

A private funeral service for the Forte/Guess family only will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 11 am at the Forrest Park Church of Christ. Visitation for the family will be before the service beginning at 10 am. The service may be viewed by Livestream through the Forrest Park Church of Christ YouTube page. A private burial will be held at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Latin American Missions – Forrest Park Church of Christ. Condolences to the family may be made online at www.mclanecares.com (Carson McLane Funeral Home).