Mary M. Black

Mary Margaret Beale Black, 89, wife of Frank S. Black, Jr., passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Born on August 28, 1934, in Norfolk, Virginia, she was the daughter of Margaret J. and Guy R. Beale, Sr.

In addition to her husband of 34 years, she is survived by her son, Edwin G. Walter; her daughter, Cathey W. Brown and her husband Marshall; her grandchildren, Julie Quadland and her husband Graham, Andrew Brown, and Matthew Brown; her great-granddaughters, Ruth and Adrienne; her niece, Martha Eppes; her nephew, Jim Beale and his wife Vickie; one great-niece; and four great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Guy Beale, Jr.; her sister-in-law, Martha Beale; and her niece, Peggy Beale.

Mary Margaret graduated from Maury High School in 1952 and from Mary Baldwin College in 1956, after which she taught fifth grade at Granby Elementary School in Norfolk. She was a member of Bayside Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, where she lived for many years. She later moved to Churchville where she was a devoted member of St. James United Methodist Church. She sang in the church choir, as well as in the Happy Notes choral group. She was also a member of PEO, DAR, and Colonial Dames, and was active in the Mary Baldwin University Alumni Association.

Mary Margaret was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be remembered for her warmth, her thoughtfulness, and her ability to make and keep friends for life. She was much beloved by her family and friends, and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at St. James United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Thornrose Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. James United Methodist Church (PO Box 43, Churchville, VA, 24421) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).