Betty Mae Black, age 91, of Paris, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 17, 2025. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family holding her hand.
Born on March 1, 1934, in Birthright, Texas, to Samuel Oren and Georgia Donaldson, Betty was one of seven children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers L.C., Ray, Jerry, Sam, and Virgil; her sister, Mary; a son, Jimmy Black; a son-in-law, Masood Haidarasl; and a grandson, Brenton Black.
She is survived by her loving children: Jerry Lee Black of Paris, Wayne Black and wife Cindy of Childress, Stanley Black of Paris, Larry Black of Paris, Brenda Daniel and husband Ronald of Paris, and Sharon Haidarasl of Paris. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory.
In the late 1940s, Betty met the love of her life, William Clay Black, and they were married on June 15, 1950. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with faith, hard work, and unconditional love. They lived in several Northeast Texas towns before settling in Paris, where they raised their seven children.
Throughout her life, Betty worked hard and cared deeply for others. She spent years with the Vassarette Sewing Company in Paris, co-managed a recycling business in Reno with her husband, and later served as a nurse’s aide at the Deport Nursing Home, where her compassion and gentle touch comforted many.
Though times were often lean, the Black family was rich in love. Betty’s greatest joy came from her family—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were truly her pride and joy.
Betty was a woman of remarkable talent and simple joys. She could sit for hours with her son Stanley and play dominoes. She hand-stitched beautiful quilts, cooked meals that drew everyone to the table, and could sew just about anything including many of her children’s school clothes. Her famous chocolate pie became a family treasure, passed down through generations. She had a gift for gardening and could make anything grow, from flowers to vegetables. Her yard was always filled with vibrant blooms, and in her later years, she found peace watching birds and squirrels from her window.
A woman of deep faith, Betty lived her life with grace, humility, and strength. She taught by example—firm yet kind, practical yet loving—and her wisdom continues to guide those she left behind.
She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
