Setting the tone for generosity...

Susie Jiles, Vincent’s grandmother, set the tone in our family for generosity and giving, even when she could not do it financially. Born and raised in Alabama during the time of racial segregation, she never let the challenges of the time define her. In the 1950’s, Susie moved to Michigan to build a better life, and in that transition, she became a dedicated member of the community’s Baptist church. There, she always volunteered to support the causes the church had to help members of the community. She’d cook food to help feed the homeless, visit with church members who were sick, and give her time whenever asked. As a great singer, Susie offered her talent, performing in many church fundraisers. She was the most caring and giving person and the Floyd Family’s greatest example of service and compassion.

Gwendolyn Walker, Vincent’s mother, continued the lineage of giving. She was a social worker, working for the State of Michigan. Through her day-to-day work, Gwendolyn helped many Michiganders get access to the help they needed through state resources. Although she did not have much, Gwendolyn opened her home to neighbors who were in need of food or safe shelter. She’d even take the neighborhood kids on local trips in the summer to get them out of the dangerous neighborhood, even just for a day. She believed in the adage “it takes a village.” It was Gwendolyn’s passion and life’s purpose to help others. It truly made her happy when she could do for others.

Joan Joseph, Vianne’s Aunt, cared deeply about her family, church, and broader community. She was born in Trinidad and came to the United Stated to build a better life for her family and herself. Joan immigrated to the States as a housekeeper and navigated a new territory with a keen vision of hope and determination. After some time, Joan successfully had a career in the medical field where she used skills to care for and support hospital patients and ensure the next generation was well taken care of.

Today, the tone of generosity and spirit of giving is led by Jean Rutledge, daughter of Susie and sister of Gwendolyn. She epitomizes the selfless and loving culture established by her mother. Jean always supported her community, passionately serving as a dedicated member of her church. She shared her gift of cooking to feed others, and she regularly volunteered at her community’s elementary school to support the youth. Her life’s mission of compassion and giving permeates through the Floyd Family.

Whether it was financial or through volunteerism, the Floyd Family has always found a way to make a difference in the lives of others. Through The Floyd Family Foundation, the family matriarch’s spirit of giving, selflessness, and support for the community will be honored and lived out through the impact of our actions.