Florozeen Rand Gray

Florozeen Rand Gray a long-time resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on June 12, 2023. Florozeen “Flo” was born on December 5, 1943 to Willie B. Rand Sr. and Virginia Prosper Rand in East Chicago Heights, Illinois. Flo was the fifth of seven children born to their union. She attended Cottage Grove Elementary School in Chicago until the family relocated to Tucson, Arizona in 1952.

Flo completed her formal education and went on to obtain her nursing degree from Pima College in Tucson. She worked as a labor and delivery nurse and a private nurse in Tucson, Omaha, Nebraska and Maryville, Illinois.

It was in Tucson, Arizona where Flo met Eddie and then it was on and popping. He looked up at her, she batted them eyes at him, and the rest is history. Flo and Eddie remained a devoted couple throughout their marriage and raised their four children around the world. Before Eddie’s assignment to Nellis Air Force Base (Las Vegas), Flo attended McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1981. Flo continued her pursuit of higher education receiving a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 1983, Master’s Degree in Social Work Administration from UNLV in 1993, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice from LaSalle University in 1996.

While pursuing her education, Flo had a successful professional career as a Social Worker. Later she worked several years for the State of Nevada, Department of Corrections as Manager of the Restitution Center and as Prison Mediator and Public Information Officer. Additionally, Flo served on many professional boards including Stop DUI and the Governor’s Board for Criminal Justice Reform. In addition to her successful public service career, Flo was a businesswoman extraordinaire. From 1994 to 2007, she and her daughter April, owned and operated Unique Party Planning and Skyview Terrace, providing high quality event planning and fine dining options. In 2002, Flo expanded the business by founding the Protocol Etiquette School of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Flo was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on April 27, 1985. She was an active member of the Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter (LVAC) until her passing. Flo was a hard-working Soror and served in many positions as a member of LVAC.

Flo was preceded in death by her mother and father; three of her siblings; and her eldest son Robert. Flo is survived by her brother Willie B. Rand, Jr. (Chicago, IL), Christopher Rand (Los Angeles, CA), Minerva Yaba-Rand (New York, NY). Flo’s memory will be forever cherished and celebrated by her husband of 56 years, Eddie Gray, Jr. (U.S. Air Force, Ret.); daughter, April; and sons Alann and Zachary (Amber); five grandchildren: Nikci Kephart (Tim), Jasminn Gray (Carlin Hovsepyan), Jordann Gray, Chauncey Gray, and Sophia Gray; and three great-grandchildren: Rylynn and Hayden Kephart; and Adonis Hovsepyan; sister-in-law Rhonda Barber and brother-in-law Namon Ashe both of Gary, IN; a host of nieces and nephews and their children; countless friends and her BFF, Fannye Steele.

Flo loved her family and friends with unwavering loyalty, unconditional love and unshakeable joy. She lived life to the fullest and laughed the longest. Her effervescent spirit continues to inspire us all to live our best lives.