Maurice L. Black, Sr.

Forever in Our Hearts

It is with heavy hearts, yet with deep gratitude for a life well lived, that we celebrate the life and legacy of Maurice L. Black Sr. Maurice was born on July 9, 1938, to the late Roger and Nannie T. Black. From the very beginning, Maurice was destined to leave an impression on the hearts of everyone blessed to know him. Knowing and believing in Christ Jesus as his personal savior, he trusted that his earthly assignment was complete. On September 13, 2026, he received his heavenly call and heard the words his faithful heart longed to hear: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” His work on earth was finished, his race was run, and he peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Maurice was a man of strength, character, wisdom, and love. He was not a man who simply talked about taking care of his family—he lived it. He was a provider, a protector, a teacher, and a steady presence that his family could depend on. His love was shown not only in his words, but in the countless things he did to make sure his family was cared for and protected.

Maurice was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary L. Black; his parents, Roger and Nannie T. Black; and his siblings, Juniors Jones, William Black, Rogers Black, Jr., Clayborne W. Black, Mattie B. Jennings, and infant sister Mirah Black.

Maurice was united in marriage to the love of his life, the late Mary L. Kendrick Black. For 33 years until her death, they shared a life filled with love, family, challenges, laughter, and memories that will never be forgotten. Together, they were blessed with four children in which he leaves to cherish: Jacqueline Palmer (Jerry), Maurice Black Jr. (Kimberly), Rose Scott (Walter), and Dr. Candace Roney (Allen). Maurice also opened his heart and home to his bonus children, Yolanda Alston and Clinton Gaylor, loving them as his own.

His children were among his greatest accomplishments, but his love did not stop there. Maurice cherished his grandchildren: Tiara Black, Jeffrey Hunter, Walter Scott Jr. (Carleena), Jerrise Palmer, Jaylon Roney, Janae Palmer, and bonus grandchildren Madison Alston and Gerard Palms.

His heart was made even fuller by his great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Jeremey “Q”, Jordan McDougald, and Carmen Roney.

He also leaves to cherish one sister: Jonie “Anne” Davis, two sister in laws: Sally Florence Davis and Esther Black, and one brother-in-law Willie Dee Kitchen. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will carry memories of him in their hearts. Among those special relationships was the loving bond he shared with his niece, Gracie Giles and friends Ms. Mary Ferguson and Mrs. Anita White-Hall.

To his family, Maurice was much more than a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, uncle, and friend. He was an anchor. He was the person who could be counted on when times were good and especially when times were hard. He was a fierce protector of those he loved. His presence brought a sense of security, because his family knew that Maurice would do whatever he could to make sure they were alright.

Maurice joined New Jones Grove Baptist Church (formally known as Jones Grove Baptist Church) at an early age and was a member until his death. He was a proud graduate of Isle of Wight Training School, Class of 1957, and carried the memories of his school days and classmates with him throughout his life. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army. After completing his military service, Maurice continued his life of hard work, spending many years as a pipe chipper at Newport News Shipyard and Horne Brothers Shipyard.

But there was much more to Maurice than his work. He was a man who knew how to enjoy life and make memories. He had a green thumb and was a skilled gardener, taking pride in planting, growing, and tending to his garden. He was also known for making wine that was enjoyed by many in various places. He knew the art of curing hams and took pride in doing things the right way. And if you knew Maurice, you probably knew that he did not mind a little competition! He was a competitive spades and checkers player, and he enjoyed the fellowship, laughter, and good-natured competition that came with the games.

Maurice also had a special way of making people feel connected to him. He leaves behind a beautiful family and a legacy that cannot be measured by words alone.

His children will remember the man who taught them through his example. His grandchildren will remember his strength, his stories, and his love. His great-grandchildren will grow up hearing his name and learning about the man whose life helped shape their family. His nieces and nephews will remember his presence and the special place he held in their lives. And his friends will remember the man who could make a game of spades or checkers a memorable event.

There will be moments when his family wishes they could hear his voice one more time, sit beside him one more time, share one more laugh, or simply have him there. Those moments will hurt because love leaves an empty space when someone we love is no longer physically with us.

But Maurice's family can find comfort in knowing that his life mattered.

He planted more than gardens—he planted seeds of love, strength, family, and perseverance. He provided more than material things—he provided security, guidance, and an example of what it means to stand by your family. He protected more than his loved ones—he protected the legacy he was building for generations to come.

Although his earthly journey has come to an end, Maurice's story does not end here. It continues in every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild who carries a part of him forward. It continues in the family traditions, the stories, the laughter, the lessons, and the memories that will be shared for years to come.

Maurice L. Black Sr. may no longer be able to walk through the garden, sit down for a game of checkers, shuffle a deck of cards, or gather his family around him, but the seeds he planted during his lifetime will continue to grow.

His hands may be at rest, but the work of his life continues through those he loved.

So today, we do not say goodbye to Maurice as though his life has simply disappeared. Instead, we say thank you Dad!

Thank you for your love.

Thank you for your sacrifices.

Thank you for being a provider.

Thank you for being a protector. 

Thank you for the laughter and memories. Thank you for the lessons, both spoken and unspoken. And most of all, thank you for giving your family a legacy that will live on.

Rest peacefully,

Well done Dad, Well done!

On Friday, September 18, 2026, Viewing will take place from 3-6 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. The interment will follow the service in New Jones Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 15090 Woodland Drive, Windsor, VA 23487. Please keep the Black family in your prayers.