Bonham, Texas -- Mary Janice Greenwood Black, 88, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and community volunteer, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on September 29, 2025, in Denison, Texas, after a short and unexpected illness.
Mary was born in Streator, Illinois on July 19, 1937, to Harry Webster Greenwood and Edith Louise Godwin Greenwood. She grew up with a strong Christian faith instilled by her parents, and she carried that devotion throughout her life. Mary married Jack Black, the love of her life, in 1956, and together they built a joyful family. She was a devoted wife and mother, always supporting her husband and children in their endeavors.
Mary was an expert homemaker, a talented cook, and a skilled seamstress, known for her warmth and hospitality. She volunteered enthusiastically in her children’s lives, serving as a class mother, PTA president, and scout leader, helping to organize events, bake goods, and sew costumes. In her later years she was an avid fan of all three of her grandchildren and she delighted in watching them play sports, perform in recitals and plays and compete in everything from spelling bees to the pinewood derby. No matter how cold or rainy, Mary could be seen sitting in the stands cheering on her adored grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Black, and their son, Gregg Black.
She is survived by her daughter, Vanessa White; her grandchildren, Corey White, Kyle White, and Jaclyn White; and four great-grandchildren Kade, Cheyenne, Jackson and Sawyer. Her family remembers her as an irreplaceable source of unconditional love and wisdom. A devout Christian, Mary dedicated much of her life to serving others and living out her faith. She was a faithful member of her church. Mary grew up in a Masonic family and she embraced the strong Christian values of the Masonic Order. As a youth, Mary was a Grand Cross member of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and, as an adult, she also proudly served in the Order of Eastern Star (OES). She carefully memorized each of the stories of the heroines celebrated by the order (Adah, Ruth, Ester, Martha and Electa) so that the story of their heroism could be told with the proper respect and dignity. While she loved all of the stories, Esther was her favorite heroine and Esther’s life of humility and courage was a source of inspiration that she tried to use as an example in her own walk.
Known affectionately as “Merry Mary” to her closest friends, Mary volunteered her time generously in the community. For many years, she was a docent at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the SMU campus, welcoming and guiding visitors. She also worked with a group of local women to sew blankets for every kindergartner at Bailey English Elementary School in Bonham, a project that touched so many families in the community. She contributed countless hours of service to her church and community and was always first in line to lend a hand to anyone when needed.
Mary loved being outdoors, finding joy and peace in nature. She was an avid gardener, tending to her flowers and vegetables with care. Fishing was another pastime she enjoyed, her favorite place to fish was Lake Wabedo in Minnesota. She also used her sewing skills creatively, crafting
all kinds of gifts and clothing for loved ones. Whether preparing a delicious meal for her family or nurturing her garden, Mary approached every activity with enthusiasm and love.
Mary Janice Greenwood Black lived a life filled with love, service, and faith. She touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit. Her family and friends will remember her warm smile, her ready laughter, her unbreakable loyalty and her steadfast faith.
She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family and community. The funeral service is Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to service at the First United Methodist Church in Bonham. Burial will follow at Lamasco Cemetery.
