Bobbie Black

Bobbie Lou Black, aged 80, passed away at her home in Whitehouse, TX on January 21, 2015 after a recent struggle with her health. Bobbie was born on June 22, 1934 in Rodessa, Louisiana, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson Foster and Myrtle Maud Barrett. The family moved to East Texas soon afterward, and Bobbie spent her entire life in the area.

Bobbie thoroughly enjoyed sewing, visiting with friends, travel, crossward puzzles, catching up with friends and family on Facebook, and laughing, especially making others happy. She graduated from Linden High School in 1952. After graduation, she worked as a typist for an abstract company in Athens, TX.

In 1954, Bobbie married the love of her life, Bobby Jack Black, of Athens, TX. Bobby and Bobbie began their family life in Athens, but soon moved on to Commerce where Bobby Jack began his career as the manager of the local telephone company. Bobbie Lou spent part of her life as a stay-at-home mother to three children, but she also had a dynamic professional life. She worked as a customer service representative for the phone company as well as eventually becoming the manager's executive assistant for over ten years. The Bobbies traveled all over the United States as part of the Kiwanis Club leadership fot the Texas-Oklahoma district. Both of the Bobbies were charter members of the Pioneer Telephone Association. Bobbie continued to work for the phone company in Athens, TX after Bobby Jack's death in 1983. She returned to Commerce and finished her professional career as an administrative assistant for the teacher certification department in the College of Education at East Texas State University, retiring in 1998. After being widowed for sixteen years, Bobbie fell in love again. She met Woodrow "Woody" Hill in Marietta, OK in 1998. They married in 1999 and enjoyed adventures and travel until his death in 2012.

In addition to raising her three children, she was an accomplished seamstress and homemaker. She loved writing, arts and crafts, shopping, and telling jokes. Humor was always important and seasoned so much of her conversations and interactions with friends and family. She loved visiting her children, and made trips all over the United States to share family times together with them. By far, family was the most important aspect of Bobbie's life. and she poured herself into making her family a vibrant, loving part of her life.

Along with her family, her faith was the hallmark of Bobbie's life. She demonstrated her love of God in every part of her life, walking the walk of a true believer, and encouraging all those she encountered to trust in God as she did. She taught Sunday school and children's church for over twenty years, instructing and nuturing the spiritual lives of dozens of children and young people. Her example and character were evident to everyone who knew her and touched countless lives.

Bobbie is survived by her children: a daughter, Vickie Hoskison and husband Gary of Klondike, TX, son, Larry Black and his wife Vicky of Willamina, Oregon and son Tony Black and his wife, Amanda, of Whitehouse, TX. Bobbie is survived by eight grandchildren: Holly Lane and husband Chris of Klondike, Amy Spaggins and husband, Ben of Sulphur Springs, Bryan Black and his wife, Keygan, of Hebo, OR and Ian Black of Willimina, OR. Amy Selassie and her husband, Yaya of White Oak, TX, Zakk Black of Austin, TX, Kaleb Black of Denton, TX., and Kelly Frances Black of Whitehouse, TX. She is also survived by ten great -grandchildren: Ryan, Rebekah, Sallee, Brodie, Malachi, Ananiah, Yohanna, Arya, and soon to be born twins: Derrick and Marcus. She is also survived by two sisters: Lynn Willis of New Boston and Gail Fincher of Texarkana.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Bobby Jack Black and Woodrow Hill, and sisters, Bernice, adell, Ruby and Joy.

There will be a celebration of Bobbie's life on Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2015. There will be a reception and visitation gathering in the Fellowship Hall of Birst Baptist Church of Commerce, TX, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a celebration service at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. A private graveside service for family and friends will follow at Rosemound Cemetery in Commerce.
Flowers and remembrances may be sent to Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home in Commerce or memorial donations can be sent in Bobbie's name to Sweet Sleep (orphan care ministry) in care of First Baptist Church Whitehouse, TX or at www.sweetsleep.com.