Helen S. Symonds Black

Helen was born in Malden, Massachusetts and passed away June 17, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. Helen was involved extensively with Fort Leavenworth Staff and Command College for many years. She was involved with the Mayor’s Ethnic Enrichment program, Global and Multicultural Education, People to People, Japan American Society, Daughters of The British Empire, Camp Blanding Museum, and Buffalo Soldiers, a life member of the Alumni Association of The Command and General Staff College and Japan American Society, a member of Association of the United States Army, an honorary fellow of the Truman Library Institute, supported The Kansas City Museum, Rockhurst College Literary Guild, Leavenworth Historical Society, and Kemper Museum, represented Britain on the Mayor’s Ethnic Enrichment Commission. Helen was instrumental in developing sister state relations with Nagano, Japan. Her ‘International Family’ was extensive and impressive. She was known to many as “Mama Black and “Aunt Helen” titles that she relished. She touched everyone with her positive attitude and love. Over the course of her life, Helen’s accomplishments were many and far flung that mentioning them all would be impossible. Helen has spent the last five years residing at Bishop Spencer Place York, under the care of Crossroads Hospice. Helen’s family is grateful for the attention, compassion and great care shown to her by both Crossroads and Bishop Spencer Place York staff. My special heartfelt thanks to the York staff and Crossroads for giving me such good care, nourishment and comfort in my mom’s final days at BSP. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert S Black, and son R. Stephen Black. Survived by her daughter Robyn Black and grandsons Parker Black and Bennett Black. Private graveside services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Sweeney, P.O. Box 918, Gainesville, Texas, 76241. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.