Florence Carolyn Fidler Doubrava Roberts was born in a barn on her family's farm January 28, 1925 in Silverhill, Alabama.
She was preceded in death by husbands; Rudolph Jan Doubrava and Ernest Vernon (Ernie) Roberts; son Rudolph Dennis Doubrava; stepsons, Searcy Wayne Roberts and Vernon Roberts Jr. Florence is survived by Patricia Doubrava Hermecz (Denis), Janice Doubrava Hollis (Jack), Marie Doubrava Joyner (Duke), Donna Doubrava Johnson (Timothy), Clyde William Roberts (Susan), LilliAnn Roberts Lewis (Larry); fourteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers John Fidler, Jimmy Fidler (Faye); numerous loving nieces and nephews, special cousins, Robertsdale Class of 1943 classmates, many friends, work colleagues, and hospice caregivers. She attended Silverhill Elementary School and Czech language Saturday classes at the Little Bohemian Hall. She was a proud Robertsdale High Alumnus. Florence grew up in a hard working, hard playing Czech family with many cousins nearby. After high school graduation she commuted weekly with her beloved daddy, John Fidler, to work in the shipyard in Mobile as a payroll clerk. She married Rudy Doubrava when he came back from the War. They began their married life in Silverhill and several years later bought a house in Fairhope. From 1950 to 1956 Florence had five children. In 1962 Florence started working at Vanity Fair and worked there for fifteen years making many lasting friendships. In 1969 her husband Rudy Doubrava died. In 1973 Florence married Ernie Roberts, who had four children. Florence and Ernie were married for 35 years until Ernie died in July 2008. They traveled, gardened, shopped and visited together. Florence took great joy in her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, sports, activities and accomplishments. Florence and Ernie moved back to Silverhill in 1992 building a home on Fidler family land. She buried her only son, Rudy, in February, 2003. Florence's lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, began distressing her life in the year 2000. Now oxygen dependent, she maintained her daily and social activities including attending monthly high school class luncheons and weekly mother/daughter meetings known as "The Fat Chicks". On Saturday, July 14, 2012, surrounded by her four daughters and two brothers, Florence was lifted up by angels to begin her heavenly life. While she will be missed tremendously, her attitude, lessons and laughter will be an everlasting example to her loving family and to all who knew her. The Little Bohemian Hall in its original location was next door to her family home and provided her with entertainment, education and solace her entire life. Florence was inspirational in starting the Save the Little Hall campaign. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to: Town of Silverhill/Save the Little Hall, P.O. Box 94, Silverhill, AL 36576. Her Celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Fellowship on County Rd. 33 in Fairhope, the with Brother Bill McMurray officiating. Arrangements by Mack Funeral Home, Robertsdale.
