Mrs. Florine Josephine Cooper Manigault was born December 23, 1924, a daughter of George and Sarah Cooper. She was reared by her uncle, Eddie Cooper and his wife, Martha Jane Cooper after the death of her mother and then her father. Florine Cooper Manigault was married to the love of her life, the late Allen J. Manigault on August 27, 1960. Their union produced one child: Audrey M. Whitfield.

Florine began her academic studies at the Cherry Hill Community School (the Classroom) and she later went on to graduate from Berkeley Training High as Valedictorian. She completed her undergraduate studies at South Carolina Agricultural Mechanical College, now South Carolina State University. She earned a Master's Degree in Clothing and Textile with a minor in Science from New York University, New York City. She was Dean of the Home Economics Department at Allen University and later was an Associate Professor at South Carolina State where she taught Clothing/Textile and Biology. She retired as a teacher from the New York City Department of Education after 25 years of service. As a lifelong educator, she continued to pass along her wisdom and knowledge to all generations.

Deaconess Florine Manigault loved her God, her church, her family, and community. She accepted her Lord and Savior at an early age where she grew up as a member of Mount Carmel A.M.E Church. She relocated to New York after marriage. Along with her husband she became a member of Thessalonia Baptist Church, where she was baptized. After moving to St. Albans, New York she became a member of Mount Olivet Baptist Church where she served as a Deaconess, sang on the Gospel Choir, and was a member of the Willing Workers Club. Once the family moved back to Moncks Corner, she became a member of Anderson Baptist Church with her husband. During which, she was an active member; she served faithfully as a Deaconess and Missionary, was a member of the Senior Choir, and organized the Senior Club. During the Lenten season, she was adamant in making sure that the appropriate colored cloths were draped on the Cross.

Florine enjoyed life and some of her most enjoyable times included her travel to the Holy Land where she was baptized in the River Jordan, her tours with the Album of Faith Singers, several cruises and vacations with her family and church friends. She was always a stylish lady who carried herself with Grace and Elegance. She had a passion for: gardening, sewing, and cooking. The family especially loved her dropped-biscuits, sweet potato pie, fruit cake and her cornbread.

Deaconess Florine Manigault took great pride in being involved and always helping with her organizations/groups. She was an active member of the Moncks Corner Branch of the NAACP and a member of the Berkeley County Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (pledged in 1944 at South Carolina State University). She worked tirelessly in organizing the Santee Circle Community Park. She was also a member of the Berkeley Electric Co-op Women Involved in Rural Electrification (WIRE).

Mrs. Florine J. Cooper Manigault was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Manigault; and her siblings, Julius Cooper, Wilhelmina Cooper Brown, and Eddie Cooper Jr. She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter, Audrey M. Whitfield; three grandchildren, David Whitfield, Nicole Whitfield, and Robert Whitfield; a host of nieces and nephews; several sisters-in-law and numerous cousins and friends.

Mrs. Florine Manigault was dedicated to her family, working diligently with the Cooper Family Reunion as one of the Family Historians and helping with the establishment of the Scholarship Fund Committee. Her favorite Bible verses were Psalms 23 and Proverbs 31:10-31. Her favorite response to "How are you?" is "Well…I'm grateful for another day!"

Viewing will be held Sunday, March 27, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside service will be held Monday, March 28, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at Anderson Baptist Church Cemetery, 1159 Old Black Oak Road, Moncks Corner, SC, with viewing from 1:30 p.m. until the hour of service. The service will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh

Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing at the viewing and the service.