Ms. Mary J. Black, 73, of Gulfport, Mississippi transitioned into the arms of her Lord at sundown, Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Ms. Black was a Coast resident for over 50 years. She was a member of St. John Baptist Church. Ms. Black received a Bachelor's Degree from Alcorn University and a Master's Degree from Williams Carey College. She worked within the Gulfport School District for many years and also worked for Indall Aluminum for over 20 years. She was married to Jerry Black and to this union, two children were born.

Ms. Black was preceded in death by both parents, Hezekiah Watts, Sr. and Mary Leggett Watts; three brothers, Shelton Watts, Charles Watts, Henry Watts and a sister, Annette Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory, here two children, Jerrick (Laiysha Barkum) Black, Gulfport, BranDee (Marcus) Caufield, Humble, TX; two brothers, Hezzie (Malinda) Watts, Jr, Gulfport, Elisha Watts, Gautier; five sisters, Rubye Bradshaw, Vertye Caples, Bertha Thigpen, Lavada Thomas, all of Gulfport, Dorothy Watts, Dallas, Texas; two grandchildren, Bryce Bass and Blake Caufield, and a host of extended family members and friends.