Frances Mae Black, 87, of Cleveland, Ohio, entered into eternal rest on May 31, 2022 at her residence in East Cleveland.

Frances Black was born in Uniontown, Alabama on March 1, 1935; as the daughter of the late Mr. Birrel David Smith and the late Mrs. Rebecca Stephens Turner.  She was one of 7 siblings, four of which precedes her in death: Nazarene Williams, Carolee Thomas, James Stephens and Theodore Stephens. She was educated in the public school system of Perry County, Alabama, where she developed a lifelong love of learning and reading.

As a young adult, she later left Alabama and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she met and married Mr. Connie Black, now deceased.  Frances was blessed with five children, three of whom have preceded her in death: Mary Black, Jay Black and Walter Lee Black.  Her warm smile and endearing personality led to her long-term career in the food service industry where she worked for companies such as Harold’s Foods, Boston Market and Whitmore’ Bar-B-Q.

Frances Black was a devout believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. She surrendered her life to serve God and accepted Christ as her savior and redeemer. As a long-time member of Unity Tabernacle of God under the leadership of Reverend Leland Dorsey, Pastor Sundra Hunter and later Pastor Michael R. Lester II, she served as usher, Sunday school teacher and faithful member. Frances Black could be found enjoying her favorite reading material, The Holy Bible, and encouraged all around her to, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33 KJV).

Left to cherish the memories of a life well spent are her children: David Black (Zuleika) of Midway, GA and Doris Black of Cleveland, OH; siblings, Estella Louise Stephens-Millander and Barbara Eppes (Ricky), both of Detroit, Michigan; Aunts, Hattie Coleman (Walter) of Richmond, Ohio; Janie M. Curtis and Gertrude M. Clancy of Dayton, OH; Chanie M. Robinson of Rochester, NY; 20 grandchildren, 23+ great grandchildren; and a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.