Florence Houteff

Florence Houteff was an American religious leader who succeeded her husband, Victor Houteff, as the head of the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Church. She continued his work of interpreting biblical prophecies about the "endtime" and set a specific date for the dawn of a new messianic age. When this prediction failed, the movement splintered. Houteff disbanded her followers and sold the Mount Carmel property near Waco, Texas.1

Later, a faction of the group, led by David Koresh, took possession of the Mount Carmel settlement. This group became known as the Branch Davidians and gained notoriety during a 51-day standoff with federal agents in 1993, which ended tragically with a fire that killed nearly 80 people, including Koresh.2