Esther Ada Black

Esther Ada Black, of Richland, Missouri passed away at Sylvia Thompson Residence Center of Sedalia, Missouri on August 18, 2016. She was born June 24, 1919 to N. Walter and Effie Avery Harrison Watkins near Hazel Green, Missouri. Esther graduated from Richland High School. In 1938, she married Thomas Henry Black and they had two children: Jerry Ray Black (Louise) of Metamora, Illinois and Marilyn Kay (Black) Cantrell (Herschel) of Sedalia, Missouri. She lived on the family farm for 62 years until she began having health problems at which time she moved to Sedalia, Missouri to be near her daughter. Esther taught school at Independence and Fairview country schools in Pulaski County, Missouri. She was a very faithful member of the Fairview Baptist Church where she taught VBS and was the youth Sunday School teacher as well as church clerk for many years. Esther was well known for her outstanding cooking. Over the years, she and Tom entertained many people in their home, always asking everyone to stay and eat with them. Family and guests looked forward to a table loaded with her delicious food, homemade desserts and especially her homemade hot rolls. Esther enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables. She canned large amounts of food from the gardens and the wild plants which grew on the farm. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Black; sisters, Flossie Shivers, and Florence Brown; and brothers, Albert and Ralph. She is survived by 6 grandchildren, Toni Datillo (Jim) of Metamora, IL, Todd Black (Laura) of New Providence, NJ, Tim Black (Rebecca) of Los Osos, CA, Jeffrey Cantrell (Becky) and Stuart Cantrell (Heather) of Sedalia, MO, Stephanie Sanders (Michael) of Lexington, MO; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; a number of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, in Memorial Chapel of Richland with Dr. Francis Stiles and Rev. Larry Suggs officiating. Pianist-Soloist, Amy Tilley sang "Does Jesus Care" and led the congregation in "I'll Fly Away." Serving as escorts were Jeffrey Cantrell, Tim Black, Stuart Cantrell, Jim Dattilo, Todd Black and Michael Sanders. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery near Laquey, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions can be made to the Fairview Baptist Church or the Fairview Cemetery and contributions may be left at the funeral home.