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A half century later, Gloucester Florist still in family hands

Ownership of the family-owned Gloucester Florist in Hayes has changed hands from the second generation to the third, with Kendall Walthall Caton now in charge.

Gloucester Florist was founded by Caton’s grandmother Emma Walthall over 50 years ago and has stayed in the family ever since. She took ownership of the business in May from her aunt, Kim Walthall.

Kim Walthall has stepped down and is now semi-retired. She’s been with the business since her mother started it and was a part-owner for some time. She said she’s been the sole owner since her mother retired in 1989.

Caton, like her aunt, grew up in the flower shop and began working there part-time as a teen. She said following high school, she joined on as a full-time designer. Around the same time, she said she began working for her nursing degree; she’s worked in her career for the last 20 years.

Even as a RN, Caton said she never truly left Gloucester Florist. She said she would come in when she was needed, especially...

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