Mary A. Black

Mary Ann Black, 77, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 10:28pm, at Via Christi Village. She was born May 1st, 1945 in Pittsburg to Kenneth E. Black and Alice (Nickel) Black. She is survived by her siblings; Frances Ross (Frank), Clyde Black, and David Black. Her sons; Matt and Jay Dee Williams, daughters; Janet Jamison-Williams (Steve), Missy and Sherri West. Nieces and nephews; Billie Jo Newlin (Joe), Kenny Waring (Cathy), Holley Forrest (Bobbie), Robbie Grassi and Jamie Black. Her grandchildren Andrea Oehme (Chris), Anthony Williams (Leigh Ann), Toni Fullerton (Austin), Tia Williams, Amanda Williams (Piper), Brandi Jo Dohle (Dennis), Christopher Williams (Abby), Heather Williams, Redd Williams, Kevin Williams, Autumn Williams, and 26 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Rebecca (Becky) Williams, brothers, Clarence and Joe Black, sister Judy Hensen and niece, Jennifer Oxford and her two best friends, Mary McDonald and Pat Heath. Mary helped raise her six siblings. She began working at age 14, as a waitress at many cafes and diners. She also worked at Parson’s Ammunition Plant. After receiving her LPN license, she began working for Dr. Bena’s office in Pittsburg. She worked at various places such as New Horizons, Shields, Class LTD, Arma Nursing Home, Private Home Care, Pittsburg Bakery, Millers Professional Imaging and then at EaglePicher in production where she later retired as a security guard. As a minimalist, she gave anything she could to someone who needed it. She loved to travel, always going to ‘where she was needed’. Her family was always important to her. She adopted “Outlaw” family and accepted many friends, who became family. Throughout her life, she often would bring family back together. She overlooked flaws but she was never afraid to tell you her thoughts. She was fun to be around with an infectious laugh and great smile. Always making everyone feel at home. She spent most of her life taking care of others, as a nurse and being there for her family. She enjoyed cooking but baking was her passion. She knew everyone's favorite meals and desserts. In her cookbook, that she gifted to her family and friends, she labeled people’s favorites. She enjoyed gardening and being outside, preferably near water. She often took her grandchildren to Shoal Creek in Joplin, Mo. She loved to dance and music of all kinds. Before her eye sight left, she would read. She loved when her family would get together, her favorite was watching her grandchildren become friends. She taught us how to be there for each other, know our worth and how to love unconditionally. At her request, she was cremated and a Celebration of Life will be set up at a later date. Friends and family are all welcome and can be made aware of date and time via her facebook page.

Mary A. Black

May 1, 1945 - August 22, 2022