Patrice Florant

Patrice Florant was an incredibly hardworking, creative, and peaceful woman. She tragically left this world this past summer after a month-long battle with COVID-19. Patrice, who resided in the state of Louisiana, is known to have enjoyed many hobbies, such as reading and making crafts. She has left behind many loved ones including two daughters, two sisters, and an abundance of friends—all of whom loved her very dearly. 

Among those loved ones is Patrice’s dear friend Deidre Pierre, whom she was close with while incarcerated and who remembers Patrice as a caring, loving, and brilliant woman. “Patrice loved to do hobby craft,” Deidre wrote to Mourning Our Losses. “She was a hustler with reasonable prices:-).” 

“Patrice Florant had two sisters [Debra Junior and Paulette Florant] incarcerated with her,” Deidre also wrote. “She was always seen with her sisters but mostly Paulette. She was the peace keeper of the sisters.” But Patrice’s time with her beloved sisters was tragically cut short. “Our Warden allowed Patrice to attend her sister’s parole hearing and speak on her sister’s behalf a year ago. The sister made it and went home. The sister was anticipating doing the same on Patrice’s behalf but she died.”   

Deidre also shared the painful decisions that Patrice’s sisters were forced to make as she fell increasingly ill. “Patrice was declared brain dead but the sisters had a hard time in deciding whether to pull the plug. Eventually, they did when all hope was lost. The family is taking it hard. I believe Paulette is caring for Patrice’s child...Patrice had underlying health issues, diabetes.” 

Alongside so many other loved ones, Deidre remembers and mourns Patrice as a dear friend who she could have sincere conversations with. “It was easier to talk to Patrice and she and I had a few serious talks as I am also a peer ministry/seminary graduate.” 

Patrice was a beaming ray of sunshine for everyone that knew her. Because of her battle with COVID-19, she could not make it to her parole hearing. Now, she is resting in peace and she will be dearly missed by all. Her strength and resilience will not be forgotten. 

This part of the memorial was written by MOL team member Anaheed Mobaraki with information courtesy of Patrice’s friend Deidre Pierre.