Mary Susan Black, 89, of Stouts Mills, Gilmer County, West Virginia died peacefully in her home on Sunday, August 9th. She was born in Ames, Iowa on June 9, 1926, the daughter of the late Oral A. and Mary McMorrow Brown, both of whom hailed from Braxton County.
Mary attended elementary school in Ames and later graduated from Coffee County High School in Enterprise, AL. She graduated with a degree in English from Auburn University in 1945. After graduation, she taught English at Auburn and later at West Virginia University in Morgantown.
After returning to Stouts Mills, Mary worked for a time at the Glenville State College library. She later became the head librarian at the Burnsville Public Library, where she served the community for over 30 years.
Mary was a staunch conservationist and was the primary steward of her family farm for over 60 years. She gardened, raised cattle and embraced progressive organic and agricultural concepts. She was a voracious reader who never tired of learning and was known for her keen wit, interest in politics, and tireless support of environmental preservation causes.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Black, and her brother William Brown of Nevada. She is survived by her son David and his wife Dana of Pittsburgh, PA.
In accordance with Mary’s wishes, no public memorial service will be held. Anyone wishing to honor her memory is encouraged to make a memorial contribution to either the Burnsville Public Library (235 Kanawha St, Burnsville, WV 26335 / (304) 853-2338) or the Gilmer Public Library (214 Walnut St, Glenville, WV 26351 / (304) 462-5620).
Ellyson Mortuary Inc. is honored to assist the family of Mary Susan Black with arrangements.
