Martha Ellen Black

Martha Ellen Massey Black, age 75, of Tuscaloosa, AL, passed away on August 28, 2025, at Hospice of West Alabama. A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa with Senior Pastor Robin Wilson officiating. Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is handling the arrangements. The family will receive visitors prior to the service from 2:00–3:00 PM in the church sanctuary. A private inurnment service in the columbarium at First Methodist Church will take place at a later date.  

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Cleo Michael Black; her father, Walter Cooper Massey, Sr.; and her mother, Mary Ellen Horn Massey.  She is survived by her daughters, Mary Leslie Guy (Connor) and Amanda Black Corder (Brock), both of Tuscaloosa; her brother, Walter Cooper Massey, Jr. of Tuscaloosa; and her beloved grandchildren: Samuel Connor Guy, Jr., William Cooper Corder, Oliver Massey Guy, Patrick Leonard Corder, and Adeline Creel Corder — all of Tuscaloosa.  

Ellen was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and moved to Tuscaloosa in 1960 with her family. She was a proud 1967 graduate of Tuscaloosa High School, and remained close with many of her fellow Black Bears.  In 1969, she met the love of her life, Michael Black, with whom she shared nearly 50 years of marriage. Ellen and Michael were married in 1971 and raised their two daughters in Tuscaloosa. Her life was defined by a quiet, unwavering kindness that touched everyone who knew her — not just in the way she spoke or acted, but in how deeply she cared for others. She lived with an open heart, quiet strength, and endless patience.  

Family was everything to Ellen, and her love for them was unconditional and steady. She had a special way of making everyone feel at home, but her grandchildren were her heart. Whether cheering them on, spoiling them just a little, or simply listening to their stories, she lit up in their presence. They adored her, and she adored them right back. She was the best Memsie to all of them.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the doctors, nurses, and caregivers that took care of Ellen, and the many, many friends and family members that checked on her often.  We are grateful for the love you showed her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the amazing ministries of Hospice of West Alabama or First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa.