Mabeth Black

Mabeth "Betty" McCluer Black, 79, of Arlington, Texas, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2011, embraced by her loving family who thank God for her life of love and service.

She was born June 29, 1931, to Ora Aileen Gary and Kenneth P. McCluer. She was married Dec. 20, 1952, to Wendell P. Black. Her beloved husband Wendell preceded her in death in 1988.

Survivors include two sons, Wendell "Chip" (Linda) Black of Arlington, Carl (Mendi) Black of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Louise O'Reilly of Memphis, Tenn.; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Sargent of Parsons, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Lauren and Whitney Black of Arlington, Clay Black of Cape Girardeau; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was born and lived her early years in Jackson, Miss. She attended Millsaps College and received a teaching degree. After moving to Cape Girardeau in 1958, Betty was a second-grade teacher at Washington School. She left the workforce to raise her two sons and was active in many ways, including First Presbyterian Church, PEO, Scout leader, Garden and Rose Club, numerous bridge and social groups, and supportive of her boys in school and Scouting.

Later she was employed by Southeast Missouri State University as film librarian. In 1977 she became the university graphic artist, providing services to faculty and students where she was a mentor to many students that passed through her department on work study programs.

After moving to Arlington in 2001 to be closer to family, Betty spent her free time involved with PEO (50-year member), Red Hat Society and playing bridge. She joined and was active in the Nifty 50s at Grace Presbyterian Church in Arlington.

Interment will be in the family mausoleum in Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today at Grace Presbyterian Church for friends and family she made in Texas. A second memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau for friends and family in the local area. The family will receive friends at receptions at the churches following each service.

Announcement from Local Cremation in Rockwall, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Betty's name to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011, or online at http://www.alz.org/, or the charity of your choice.