Barbara A. "Barb" Black's Obituary
Barbara A. “Barb” Black, age 78, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 6, 2019. She was born on November 20, 1940 in Muskegon, MI to George and Doreen (Goranson) Grimm. Muskegon has always been home for Barb. On August 15, 1959 she married the love of her life Gifford C. “Jim” Black Jr and together they cherished 60 years of endless memories. She dedicated close to 20 years to Muskegon Public Schools, where she worked as a secretary. While showing tremendous dedication to her career she also demonstrated a courageous will to fight when she battled cancer and won; a 24-year survivor. Barb was a woman of many talents, such as sewing, line dancing, bowling and golfing. She was also known for her competitive side, which was depicted while playing poker, ping pong, or getting the perfect hand in cribbage. Barb and Jim enjoyed spending the last 18 Michigan winters with family and close friends at their home away from home in Lakeland, Florida. Above all things, she loved her family dearly. Her vivacious personality and tender heart will truly be missed by many. She is survived by her husband, Gifford “Jim” Black Jr; children, Rodney Black, Rhonda Fitzsimmons (Kevin), son-in-law, Tim Fitzsimmons, Rachelle (John) Kladder, Richard (Cheri) Black, Renae Murphy; son-in-law, Thomas Murphy; 3 sisters, Diane Grimm, Carolyn Pavlak and Valerie (Bruce) Anderson; 4 brothers, Rodger (Faye) Grimm, Dale (Evelyn) Grimm, Raymond (Joy) Grimm and William (Karen) Grimm; step-brother, Gary (Louise) Hudd; sisters-in-law, Patricia Nummerdor, Sendee Layman; step sister-in-law, Chris Hudd; brothers-in-law, Edward (Shari Martz) Black, Dennis Bushman, Kim Bushman; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Catherine Grimm; parents-in-law, Gifford (Norma) Black Sr, Edna (Herman) Bushman; brother, George (Mary Jo) Grimm Jr; brother-in-law, Jack Nummerdor; sister-in-law, Theresa Black and step-brother, Chuck “Butch” Hudd. Visitation with her family will be held from 6-8PM on Friday, October 11, 2019 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. A celebration of Barb’s life will continue on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at The Muskegon Eagles Aerie #668, 621 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440 from 2-6PM with a brief prayer service and time of sharing at 3:30PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara’s honor can be donated to the Johnson Family Cancer Center. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. You may visit the family’s online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?