Florence Gayles, 97, was a resident of Chicago for over 70 years. She was born in McKeesport, PA in 1923, 10 miles from Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh in the early 1940's during World War II. When she moved to Chicago in the 1950's she worked for Provident Hospital on the South Side, Medical Associates of Chicago, Walgreens and Osco before retiring at the age of 80. As the chief pharmacist for an association of prominent black doctors and dentists in the 60's, Florence filled prescriptions for such celebrities as Dr. M.L. King Jr., Muhammad Ali, Mahalia Jackson, Ramsey Lewis and many, many others. She loved to travel, play the slots, read mysteries, tend to her parakeets and go shopping with her only daughter. Florence was a loving mother and a quiet, independent and thoughtful woman who was respected and loved by all her were lucky enough to know her. Florence is preceded in death by her late husband, William B. Gayles of Evanston, her sister Gloria V. Dreher, brother William P. Ross, her oldest nephew Edward D. Wallace and step-son Michael Gayles. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Charlene and Albert Swanson of Evanston, and her nephew Charles P. Wallace of Pennsylvania as well as several grandnephews and grandnieces. She will be missed by her family and many friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date.