Bert Black passed away Friday, April 7, 2017 at McLaren-Greater Lansing Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Age 86 years. He was born March 22, 1931 to Issac and Nola Black in Pinola, Mississippi, where he grew up and worked as a young man. He was the second of six children and was affectionately called June Boy.
Bert was drafted into the United States Army on January 19, 1953 where he actively served in the Korean War. He was in the National Army Reserves until honorably discharged January 1, 1961. Bert moved to Lansing, Michigan and began working at Michigan State University. He retired from General Motors after completing 37 years of service and was a member of UAW Local 602. In recent months Bert accepted Christ as his Savior and he faithfully paid tithes to the Williams Chapel Original Church of God.
While living in Lansing, he met and married the love of his life, Bennie Lee Newton on March 13, 1957. Bert and Bennie shared an undying love thats an example for all. During their 60 years of marriage there were no biological children however, they were parents to many, namely: Stanley, Vicki (deceased), Rhann, Michael, Diane, Leslie, Dwayne, Tamara and Jason. After the death of his brother, Earl Black, Bert became a surrogate father to his brothers children Tamara and Jason Black. When they married and had their children, Tamaras oldest son, Joshua Pulley, changed Berts name from Uncle Junior to Paw Paw. He was known as Paw Paw from that time until his death.
Bert leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 60 years, Bennie Lee Black aka Nana; son Joseph (Diane) Martin; devoted sisters Vernice Walker & Shirley (Braxton) Bullock; sister-in-laws Louvenia Black, Lois (Morgan) Johnson and Pastor Geraldine (O.J.) Richardson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, surrogate grandchildren Joshua and Nicholas Pulley and Sydney Black and extended family and friends.
Bert was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Nola Black; brothers Earl James Black and Bobby Louis Black; sister Bernice Myree Walker and brother-in-law, James Walker.
9:00 AM, Saturday, April 15, 2017
Ellis Tabernacle Original Church of God
1916 Olds Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48915
10:00 AM, Saturday, April 15, 2017
Ellis Tabernacle Original Church of God
1916 Olds Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48915
Pastor Geraldine T. Richardson, Officiating
Interment: Evergreen Cemetery
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bert (Lansing) Black, please visit our flower store.