Florence Saunders Farley
American physician and politician; first Black woman mayor of Petersburg, VA, and Virginia's first licensed Black clinical psychologist
About Florence Saunders Farley
Lived 1928 – 2022 (aged 94). Florence Saunders Farley was an American clinical psychologist, politician, professor and council member.
Florence Saunders Farley (née Saunders; May 28, 1928 – August 28, 2022) was an American politician who served as the first Black female mayor of Petersburg, Virginia. She had also spent many years for Peterburg's school board.
Early life and education Florence Saunders Farley was born on May 28, 1928, in Roanoke, Virginia to parents Neoda Florence Saunders and Stacious Thadeous Saunders, where she was the ninth out of the 10 children in her family. She attended Harrison Elementary School when she was a child.
She also got a Ph.D. degree in psychology from the Kent State University in Kent, Ohio in 1977, and was the chair of the psychology department.
Farley went and signed up to the Women's Army Corps at Fort Lee in 1951 and became the first black women to become a training officer along with being commissioned to second lieutenant.
Personal life Farley passed away on August 28, 2022, at age 94.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Florence Saunders Farley?
American physician and politician; first Black woman mayor of Petersburg, VA, and Virginia's first licensed Black clinical psychologist (1928–2022)
When was Florence Saunders Farley born?
Florence Saunders Farley was born on 28 May 1928 in Roanoke.
When did Florence Saunders Farley die?
Florence Saunders Farley died on 28 August 2022.
What was Florence Saunders Farley's occupation?
Florence Saunders Farley was a clinical psychologist, politician, professor and council member.
What nationality was Florence Saunders Farley?
Florence Saunders Farley was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Florence Saunders Farley
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Florence Saunders Farley. https://biography.guide/florence-saunders-farley/
MLA: "Florence Saunders Farley." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/florence-saunders-farley/.
Chicago: "Florence Saunders Farley." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/florence-saunders-farley/.
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