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Mother Essie Mae White Black
August 14, 1951 – October 2, 2024

"There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord,
the righteous judge shall give me at that day…." ~2 Timothy 4:8

Mother Essie Mae White Black, daughter of Lucius Carl Wright and Blanchie Mae Jackson, was born on August 14, 1951. Not only did she bless her parents' lives, but she also did so for her village, especially her paternal grandmother, Georgia White, who at her home in Havana, Florida, lovingly nurtured Essie with guidance, values, and wisdom to shape her life. Mother Black was a lifelong resident of this community.

During the early years of her life, Mother Black developed a close relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The angels rejoiced the day she boldly professed her personal belief in Him. As she grew in grace, and with her soul anchored in Him, she knew the joy of the Lord was her strength.

Mother Black continued to say "yes" to the Lord's will and to His way. She supported her husband, Elder O'Harold Black, in his ministry when he was called as pastor for New Canaan Baptist Church in Havana, Florida, and John the Baptist Missionary Baptist Church in Bainbridge, Georgia. She actively served as the First Lady at both churches.

"The steps of a righteous person are ordered by the Lord." (Psalm 37:23) Several years ago, Mother Black transferred her membership to Pineland Missionary Baptist Church in Madison, Florida, to be under the pastoral leadership of her son, Pastor O'Hara C. Black. There she continued to honor the Lord with passion and faithfulness in service.

Employed as a senior clerk in the Parking Services Department at Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University, Mother Black retired with more than 30 years of dedicated and untiring service.

Mother Black loved family, valued friendships and treasured life itself. Her retirement years gave her opportunities to share unlimited quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved them unconditionally and enjoyed creating forever memories with them. She always made a point of daily staying connected with her mother, Mamie Wright, and her best friend, Beaulah Brown. However, she also enjoyed settling down to recall the joy of the good old days by watching syndicated black and white movies and action films.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Mother Essie Mae White Black completed her earthly journey and began her eternal celebration with Jesus. She was welcomed into the kingdom to receive her heavenly reward. "Well done, good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of the Lord."  (Matthew 25:23)

Treasured memories of Mother Essie Mae White Black will forever be embedded in the hearts of her loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and faithfulness that will continue to inspire and uplift everyone whose lives she touched. Those who will miss her but honor her precious memory are her loving children: Angelia (Issac) Williams, Pastor O'Hara (Misha) Black, and Keith Black; mother: Mamie Wright; sister: Ethel White; brothers: Theonzie (Cordell) White and Dwight Anthony Mustafa Levant; brother-in-law: Glen Chandler; sister-in-law: Ella Chandler; lifelong sister/friend: Beaulah Brown; grandchildren: Shantierria Oliver, Quavonta Mazion, Harrison Black, Harmanie Black, and Jay Henry; great-grandchildren: Ava Harris, Elexis Conley, and Brayleigh Demous Jones; godsons: Kenya Holton, Kelly Hendley, and Ron Frye; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, sorrowful friends, and mournful neighbors.

Preceding Mother Essie Mae White Black in death were her husband of over 51 years: Elder O'Harold Black; parents: Lucius Carl Wright and Blanchie Mae Jackson; beloved grandmother: Georgia White; and brother: Bobby White.