Florence Estelle Slade was born in St Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown. She was one of 15 children growing up in a two bedroom house in Valley Lee, Maryland. They didn’t have much but they had a lot of love, and they took care of, and protected one another. Times have changed since then, but the love and care is still their strongest bond.
“Flo” graduated from Great Mills High School, and like most teenagers, she spread her wings and took off to see the world. Landing in the Florida Keys, she found employment as a boat hull fiberglass design technician. She helped design and build boat hulls until she got the calling to experience more of life. She took a position as a waitress at Joe’s Steak and Crab House on Isla Mirada, where she began to develop and hone her now famous people skills.
After a few years in Florida, Flo felt the wanderlust yet again, but this time it was different. This time she felt the need to “go home” as well as move on. So many people have left St Mary’s County, only to return, and Flo was no exception! Returning home netted Flo another wait staff position, at the Belvedere Hotel and Restaurant.
By 1981 she had developed her tremendous public relations background, and found a position at Aldridge Ford, Lincoln, Mercury as a receptionist/cashier to be a “good fit”. There Flo developed the ability to deal with people on both a personal and professional basis, which is necessary for success when dealing with a home town automobile dealership.
In 1995 A US Navy Senior Chief Jeff Turner and his two daughters Becky and Brenda, walked into her life. It was love for all at first sight! Their wonderful daughters and their husbands have blessed them with 4 lovely grandchildren; Rachel, Jordan, Calvin, and Drew! Their love for the kids and grandchildren continues to grow.
In July of 2007 new ownership assumed the duties as Lexington Park Ford, Lincoln. This has been a positive change for the community, where Flo is warmly known as the “southern voice” who answers the phone at the dealership “Lexington Park Ford Lincoln”.
On weekends Flo and her husband Jeff can be found headed out on yet another camping trip, or hitting Breton Bay and the Potomac River in their Sea Ray Open Bow Sport Boat. Flo loves all aspects of camping, boating, and the outdoors life in general.
