Florence Schmid, a resident of Wheaton, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 11, 2019. She was born December 25, 1932 in Chicago to Palmer and Marie Johnson.

Florence grew up in the Roseland neighborhood, attended Chicago Christian High School, and later graduated from college with a B.A. in Communications. She returned to the Chicago area where she met and married Theophilus (Ted) Schmid III in 1957 at Bethany Reformed Church. Throughout their years together, they demonstrated a deep love for God, their family, and their local church.

God gifted Florence with creativity. This was evident in the beautiful home that she and Ted made with their five daughters. She delighted in celebrating birthdays, holidays, and everyday meals together. Lunchtime found the girls coming home from school for grilled cheese and dramatic readings of Little House on the Prairie and other classics.

She worked for many years in radio drama, including at WMBI in Chicago. A favorite program she hosted was "The Listening Post," in which she made children's books come alive for a wider audience. In addition to radio drama, Florence did voiceover work and co-hosted the Focus on the Family radio program.

In 1967 Florence and Ted moved from Chicago to the western suburbs where they developed the family business—Schmid Pharmacy in Glen Ellyn. The pharmacy flourished and in 1976 they moved to a new space on Pennsylvania Avenue where Flo created a gift and antique section that made the store a destination for many community members. Customers fondly remember the homemade fudge and unique gifts. After Ted's death in 1988, Florence continued as owner of the store and valued her interactions with employees and customers for many years.

In 1967 Florence and Ted became active members at College Church in Wheaton, where she taught God's Word in Women's Bible Study, made lifelong friends, and served in many capacities. She was a godly mother and grandma and enjoyed reading stories, attending games and plays, and encouraging each one in their varied pursuits. She restored the Schmid cottage in Wisconsin to accommodate her many grandchildren and foster family ties. Through the years she took every opportunity to share her love for the Lord Jesus and her own story of his forgiveness and faithfulness.

Florence is survived by her children, Laurel (Bruce) Aulie of Wheaton, Illinois, Becky (James) Cook of Wheaton, Lisa (David) Helm of Chicago, Amy (Jon) Dennis of Chicago and Julie (David) Sohmer of Wheaton. She is survived by her 27 grandchildren Karis (Israel) Vazquez, Melinda Aulie, Alegra Aulie, Caleb Aulie, Emma (Nate) Vogel, Sarah Cook, Rachel Cook, Theophilus Cook, Noah (Julie) Helm, Joanna (Ben) Panner, Baxter Helm, Silas Helm, Mariah Helm, Micah (Claire) Latimer-Dennis, Julia Dennis, Liza (John) Gemmel, Anna Dennis, Joshua Dennis, Hannah Sohmer, Lydia (Caleb) Krumsieg, Sam Sohmer, Chloe Sohmer, Theophilus Sohmer, Calvin Sohmer, Phoebe Sohmer, Josiah Sohmer, Selah Sohmer and 9 great grandchildren: Nathan Vazquez, Olive Vazquez, Iria Vazquez, Anniah Vazquez, Noa Vazquez, Luke Helm, Piper Panner, Jeremiah Panner, and Levi Panner.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ted, her brother, David Johnson, and her parents.

A memorial service will be held Monday, November 18, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at College Church, 332 E. Seminary Avenue in Wheaton. Family and friends can greet the family from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. prior to the service and at a reception immediately following the service.

Memorials may be directed to College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187.