Florine Joseph, 91, passed away on January 25, 2026, in Lincoln, NE. She was born to Clellan and Julia Tate on March 21,1934, in Nashua, MO.
Florine was a strong, intelligent woman who cared deeply about people. Friends would describe Florine as feisty with a good sense of humor. She valued her independence, spoke her mind, and meant what she said.
Florine worked as a social worker for the Lincoln Action Program during the agency’s early years. Among her many accomplishments was implementing a youth mentoring and tutoring program which she was very proud of. Florine continued to work into her mid-80s.
As a member of Lincoln’s Mount Zion Baptist Church, Florine participated in the choir and was responsible for the ushers, their services, and programs.
In addition to her social work, Florine was very active in the community on a personal level. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, NAACP, WIC, and the Clinton Neighborhood Association.
Florine enjoyed landscaping and maintaining her home. Her home was showcased by The Lincoln Journal Star for its well-manicured lawn and the value it brought to the Clinton neighborhood. Florine enjoyed playing cards and board games with her friends.
Despite losing her mother and father early in her young adult life, Florine found her place; she raised two daughters as a single parent, had a successful career and contributed to her community.
Florine is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Tate and Cheryl Martin; two grandchildren, Saudia Martin and JaVonte Martin; great-granddaughter, Saybree Martin; as well as family members, Rochelle, Brenda, Deborah, and their children and grandchildren who reside in Kansas City, MO.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Joseph; parents, Clellan and Julia Tate; sister, Delores Tate; and brother, Clellan Tate Jr.
Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Mt Zion Baptist Church, 3301 N 56th St, Lincoln. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.
Memorials may be donated to the WIC Program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) or to Malone Community Center (Community center promoting overall well-being and helping families and youngsters.).
Her awesome unique personality & smile will be truly missed.
A long time friend, neighbor a counselor to my children a community activist and friend to everyone she met. Your dedication and devotion to family, friends , colleagues will always be remembered. Your rewards are in heaven.
What a great, blessed, and truly extraordinary woman. Ms. Florine touched so many lives with her kindness, grace, and quiet strength. Her presence was a gift, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. ❤️
Florine & I worked Election Board together. Working Elections & spending over 12,hours in some hectic times can be a bit over whelming but Florine never wavered & besides keeping things going smoothly we had good times . I am blessed with many fond memories. Sincere condolences to her family & friends.
She also loved her Gates and Son Bar b Que, when she came Kansas City, MO. That was her ritual. Love you, ❤️ RIH
My condolences to the family
Ms Flo didn’t need to say much to leave an impact. Her kindness spoke to you, and people felt it. She was the kind of person who remembered birthdays, checked in when someone looked tired, and made time—even when busy. She helped create a culture of care, just by being herself That’s not something you can teach It’s something you live. She is leaving behind more than memories—she leaving behind warmth, compassion, and the ripple effect of every gentle thing she did. She will be remembered with deep gratitude and affection.
Mrs. Florine was part of my upbringing! As Cheryl and I grew up hanging out our mother’s were friends as well. Mrs. Flo you’ve always been so good to to me at times mother’s and as I aged dear friend. Thank you for all the teachings and firm talks and your laugh is so delightful. I enjoyed our Prayers the most and will hold you near and dear in my soul! Never any judgment just pure love and I will always love you hugs…..
Sincerely
Miss Flo was a favorite of mine when I attended LAP program she always was kind and helped me with my homework and gave us great snacks! She was a pillar in our community and will be greatly missed Love you Miss Flo thank u for the support you gave us all! ❤️
Miss
Flo one of my favorites! I attended LAP after school tutoring program and she helped me with my homework and always made sure we were good! She was a pillar in our community and will be missed!
Hi..Sharon sorry for your loss . Sending a little prayer for you and b d your family.
Ms. Florine was a beautiful person inside and out. Her dedication to her family and the community is an outstanding example for all of us.
She will be dearly missed.
I have known Florine almost sixty years she was a good friend she always had that smile on her face I am going to miss my friend my condolences to Cheryl and her sister and the rest of the family Love you guys always!!!!!
Loved me “sum” of this <3 LOVELY LADY <3 here, met her years ago when I 'even' worked at LAP.
RESTING in his arms.
Mrs. Flo was a remarkable woman of faith, and I am truly grateful to have known her and learned from her. Through my years attending the tutoring program at Lincoln Action, she and my mother grew close as friends, and I often listened to their conversations and laugh with amusement.
Mrs. Flo was a woman who believed in order, discipline, and doing what was right. When I misbehaved, she corrected me with firmness and love. She would take me home, speak with my mother, and then gently say, “Edna, don’t be too hard on her—she has to learn somehow.” That balance of truth and grace left a lasting impression on my life.
I thank God for the role Mrs. Flo played in shaping me and for the wisdom she shared so freely. Her love, guidance, and faith will always be remembered. I loved her dearly, and she will truly be missed.
Ms. Joseph was one of the kindest people I have ever met. I met her at Lincoln Action Program when I was 13 years old and she & Maggie kept me under their wings and helped me become the person I am today. I know that everyone whose path crossed hers, was blessed in some special way. My condolences to her family and all who knew her. She was a gem to all of us…. RIH.
Florine was a wise, witty and persistent advocate for neighborhood betterment. As a member of the Clinton Neighborhood bords, she asked hard questions and held local officials accountable. She cared about all people, and he a vision of a community based on love and mutual respect. She was an inspiration to us all.
My husband Don and I (1988: 2nd marriage for each of us) were privileged to get to know and work with Florene at Lincoln Action Program working primarily with his oldest daughter Sharon during her Junior High years at Goodrich. She was a godsend to us in our early “stepfamily” years and I will be sure to let Sharon know. We seemed to run into each other many times over the ensuing years and always did a “catch-up” with each other. I discontinued my newspaper subscription several years ago so I no longer see obituaries, but was informed of her death by her friend Brenda.