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Mrs. Elsie Smith Black, 97, passed away peacefully in her home Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 surrounded by her loved ones.
Elsie was born in Davie County on Feb. 3, 1924 to Ottis H. and Lola H. Smith. She was the third of nine children. She married Bennett Black on Dec. 7, 1946. They lived in Lewisville, NC for over 60 years.
Elsie wore many hats throughout her life. She was an accomplished seamstress and learned to sew at an early age, making clothes for her younger siblings and their dolls. She was an excellent student having graduated valedictorian of her high school, only she could wear white.
After graduation, Elsie worked as a seamstress for Hanes Hosiery, where she met her future husband, Bennett Black. She took a break from working outside the home while raising their four young children.Elsie was a dedicated wife, loving mother and excellent homemaker. Elsie’s family and friends enjoyed many delicious meals using fresh vegetables from Bennett’s bountiful garden. An exceptional baker, she always had fresh desserts on hand, a treat for any guest. Her expertise with sewing, quilting, cooking, and gardening made her a valuable member of the Home and Garden club. She became well known for her exceptional skills and readily shared her knowledge and talents with others.
When the last child started school, Elsie eased back into the work force as a seamstress at Lewisville Dry Cleaners, worked at South Fork Cleaners where she was promoted to ‘jack of all trades’ then transferred to Clemmon’s Cleaners as plant manager. Ready to shift gears and focus on her love for sewing, Elsie signed on as a sales clerk at Singer Sewing Co., where she also taught sewing classes. After retiring from Singer, she worked as a pharmacy tech at Bobbits pharmacy and part time sales clerk at Lewisville Furniture. In addition to these jobs, Elsie regularly took in alterations and other sewing projects, always in high demand as she was the best at her trade. Elsie was no stranger to hard work, but she still found time for the people and things she loved.
Elsie loved being Mawmaw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She gladly ran a “daycare center” keeping her grandchildren while her own children were at work. She loved each one dearly and enjoyed their visits through the years. She always had a smile and a laugh. She poured out her love and her life on her family. She loved to just visit and talk, not only with her family but with her friends as well. Her door was always open and her home a welcome haven for many.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in it’s various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV.
This was Elsie’s life. Above all of her worldly accomplishments, of which she has many, she served Jesus Christ and she served her family and the others around her. She was a faithful member of Lewisville Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School for many years, touching others through her many roles and giving generously.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband, Bennett Black; d son, Larry Wayne; her siblings, Elbert Smith, Hebert Smith, Ella Gray Smith, Norma Mae (Smith) Cook, Maxine Smith Boger, Charles Smith, and Arnold Smith.
Those left to cherish and honor her memory include: her children, Stephen (Kelly) Black, Donna (Jacky) Ireland, and Patricia (Brent) Etchison; 7 grandchildren, Amanda, John (Susan), Whitney, Courtney (Thomas), Nathaniel, Bennett, Julia; 5 great grandchildren, Landon, Riley, Eli, Abby, Adam; a sister, Jean Smith West; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the wonderful ladies that provided excellent care which allowed Elsie to stay in her home. Elsie had several caregivers over the past few years, the most recent: Louise, Catherine, Dolly, Carmen, Nicole, LaTangela, Natalie and “Ree”.
Elsie lived a long and fruitful life, each day a gift from above; so well loved by those who know her, we are blessed to call her “Mom”.
Visitation, viewing and Celebration of Life Service was held at Lewisville Baptist Church on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. The family received visitors at 10 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pastor Philip Barnes and the Rev. Greg Freeman officiated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Lewisville Baptist Church, PO Box 327 Lewisville, NC 27023, Trellis Support.org (online) or to Trellis Supportive Care 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; or charity of your choice.
Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.