Obituary of Mary Frances Black

Dr. Mary Frances Herd Black, age 83, of Los Angeles, CA died Wednesday February 27, 2008. She was preceded in death by her parents Lou and John Herd; brothers, John Hilliared Herd and Robert Greer Herd. Mary joined the AME Zion Church in Pikeville at an early age and practiced Christianity in her daily life. Dr. Black received her elementary education at Lincoln School in Pikeville and her secondary education at Dayton Colored High School in Dayton, TN. She was the Valedictorian of her high school class. She graduated with honors from Knoxville College. She continued her studies at the University of Southern California where she was awarded a Masters of Science in Education Degree and a Doctor of Education Degree. Additional graduate study was completed at Northwestern University, Pepperdine University, St. Mary's College, Chaminade College in Honolulu, and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Dr. Black's professional experience included: teaching and serving as a consultant, curriculum coordinator and specialist for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She also taught at Los Angeles Trade College and the University of Southern California. She was the proud recipient of a Bold Journey Teacher Award in 1958. The following educational credentials for the state of California were held by Dr. Black: General Secondary Teaching Credential, Life Diploma; General Elementary Teaching Credential, Life Diploma; Reading Specialist Credential; Standard Supervision Credential, Life; and General Administration Credential , Life. She was a participating member of the following organizations: LARA(Los Angeles Reading Association); CRA(California Reading Association); IRA (International Reading Association) ; CATE (California Association of English Teachers); NCTE ( National Council of Teachers of English); NEA (National Education Association); and OMA (Organization of Management Administrators). Dr. Black was an active, inspirational leader in many civic, social, educational and religious organizations. She was a member of several groups which include: WEL( Women in Education Leadership), a founding member; Knoxville College Alumni Club of Southern California, a founding member; Lincoln Alumni Community Historical Association in Pikeville, TN; PDK(Phi Delta Kappa), University of Southern California Chapter; AKA/AGO ( Alpha Kappa Alpha/ Alpha Gamma Omega) Sorority, Los Angeles; WIN (Women in NAACP); NAACP(National Association for the Advancement of Colored People); PALM(Phys-Art-Lit-Mor) Club; and Dayton-Carver Alumni Association, Dayton, TN. Dr. Black wrote and published two E-Z FIND PUZZLE BOOKS and an autobiography, GOING TO SCHOOL. Education was always a high priority in Dr. Black's system of values. As a member of several scholarship committees, she assisted in raising many thousands of dollars for scholarships which were awarded to deserving students. One of her many outstanding accomplishments was the establishment of the Herd/Brock Scholarship Fund in memory of her parents and brothers. Scholarships are awarded annually to descendants of the Herd and Brock families. Dr. Mary Frances Herd Black was recognized as an outstanding educator, scholar and writer. Her accomplishments give validation to the theory that the promise of our American democracy can be a fulfilled reality. She planted treasured in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege and opportunity to know her. She gave her positiveness as a token of remembrance. To cherish her memory, she leaves behind a devoted and caring niece, Dorothy Sewer, of Iselin, New Jersey, along with a host of loving family and dear friends. Services for Dr. Black will be 12 noon CST Saturday in the funeral home chapel. The burial will be in Pikeville Cemetery. Visitation will be 10:00 am- 12 noon CST Saturday. The arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, Pikeville, TN. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com