Mary L. Cunningham Black, age 85 of Salem, passed away on Tuesday February 2, 2021 at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Mary was always known for her homemade angel food cake that was enjoyed by all who were served in this area. She was always cooking for family and friends and at fund raisers. She loved playing bridge and was always ready when anyone needed a sub. She had many friends and her children’s friends who considered her as family. Every month she looked forward to her Birthday Club Luncheon with her friends. She grew up and was raised a Christian Scientist and later joined the Salem Presbyterian Church, where she and Joe attended together for many years. She worked with her husband Joe at the Joe Black Insurance Agency in Salem for many years, and later worked at Walmart where she retired.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at the Salem Presbyterian Church with Denise Burke officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salem Presbyterian Church or the St. Louis Shriners Hospital and can be left at Crouse Funeral Home who is assisting the family with arrangements. She married the love of her life George Joseph Black on June 19, 1958 after a 7-year relationship. From this union they had two children, daughter, Susan L. (Black) Gordon and husband Tom of Odin, and son, Richard Edward “Ed” Black, of Salem.
Also surviving are her grandchildren, Justin E. Black, Rebecca A. “Becky” Black Vosholler and husband Tyler, and Baylee Black. She was expecting her first great grandson, which she was very much looking forward to. Other survivors also include a sister, Nancy Keplinger; brother in-law, David E. Black; sister in-law, Sue Black; 9 nieces and nephew who some liked to call Aunt B; and seven great nieces and nephews.
Mary was born on October 22, 1935 in Salem, the daughter of H. Jean and Edna Marie (Yolton) Cunningham. She was preceded in death by her parents, a very special aunt and uncle, Gene and Margaret Yolton; her in-laws, George and Angeline Black; a very special friend Ann M. Woods; brothers in-law, Richard H. Black and Robert Keplinger; and a sister, Shirley A. Dunn.
