MARY LOU STIDHAM BLACK

Mary L. Black, 77, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away March 22, 2004. She was the 15th of 17 children born March 4, 1927, to Cora and Charles Stidham of Scioto Furnace, Ohio.

Survivors include one sister, Lucy Gill, Hebron, Ohio; and brothers, Clarence, Ernest and David Stidham, all of Ohio; two daughters, Virginia Mohler and Kathie Nelson of Mesa; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 27, at Calvary Baptist Church, 3810 E. University, Mesa. Visitation 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Contributions to Mary L. Black Memorial Calvary Baptist Church.

East Valley Tribune, March 25, 2004, A13, transcribed by Rhonda Holton

BLACK, Mary Lou, 77, of Peoria died March 23, 2004 in Mesa.

Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church, 3810 E. University Drive, Mesa. Chapel of Prayer handled arrangements. 480-83201997

Arizona Republic, March 25, 2004, B10, transcribed by Rhonda Holton
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Anniversary Fete Preceded Move..

Newcomers to Tempe, Mr. and Mrs. George Black , celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary prior to leaving their former hometown of Thornville, Ohio, to make the trek to Arizona.

The Blacks took up permanent residence here at 2150 East Palmcroft Drive as of September 1, after arriving in the Valley of the Sun on August 20. Mrs. Black, who has been with State Farm Insurance Companies for the past 10 years, will be working in the new State Farm Sundland office in Tempe.

Mr. Black was formerly employed with Rockwell Standard Corp. in Ohio.

The couple were feted at a dinner in their honor in Thornville on August 18. They were married August 18, 1946 in Newark, Ohio.
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Mary Lou Black was born March 4, 1927 at Scioto Furnace, Ohio, the daughter of Charles and Cora Stidham. She was married to George A. Black on August 18, 1945 and moved to Arizona August 20, 1971. She went to be with the Lord March 2004.

She was survived in death by two daughters, Mrs. Virginia Mohler and Mrs. Kathie Nelson, both of Mesa, Arizona. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 1 sister, Mrs. Lucy Gill of Hebron, Ohio.

Also three brothers, James C. Stidham of Walhonding, Ohio; Ernest Stidham of Thornville, Ohio and David Stidham of Buckeye Lake, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Black, her parents and seven sisters and five brothers. She was a member of Valley Baptist Church.

Mary Lou and her husband went through some trying times in 1984 through 1986 during that time she awoke from a nap and the Lord gave her this poem.

I'm leaning on Jesus, though wild billows roll.
I'm leaning on Jesus, blest hope of my soul.
The storm that is raging. I know he'll subdue.
I'm leaning on Jesus, He'll carry me through.

He promised He'd never, leave nor forsake,
But with the temptation, He'd help me escape
And no man can pluck me, out of His hand
I know He will lead me, to Heaven's bright land.

Though Friends may forsake me, I know He is there.
He's holding my hand, I am safe in his care
He's broken sin's bondage, I've heaven to gain.
I'm leaning on Jesus. Oh Praise His dear name.
1-23-86

-Written by her (Mary Lou Black) own hand.

HEBRON GIRL IS BRIDE ELECT

Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Stidham, Hebron, are announcing the engagement and approaching marraige of their daughter, Mary Lou, to George A. Black, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Black, Lancaster.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Hebron High School and is associated with the Newark Telephone Company. Mr. Black is a graduate of Dover High School and is co-owner of the B. and B. Awning Company, Lancaster. The wedding is planned for late August.

-Unknown newspaper article