Benita Jo Black

Nita was so loved and was either surrounded by family or friends, or talking to family and friends catching up and reminiscing. In fact, she was doing that the very morning that she took her last breath. Although she was diagnosed with a chronic lung disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis) in 2008, she beat all odds and lived a life of nine additional years doing what she loved: going to games of her grandkids and greats, and either traveling to visit family and friends or hosting them at any chance that she could. Only in the recent months was she too limited in her physical ability to really enjoy these things, and God chose this time to call her home.

She led a life of strength and determination always focusing her eyes on Jesus. She was a hard worker and could run circles around anyone just getting things done. She held her job opportunities in high regard for how they benefited her professionally, but also for providing her with lifelong friendships. Nita simply loved life, no matter what life dealt her. She never met a stranger and always had a story to share, a joke to recall, or a game she was ready to play. She taught so many how to love unconditionally and unwaveringly. Her time on earth touched lives and her zest for life and fun will forever remain in our hearts and minds.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Pearl Caldwell; her brother, Jackie Caldwell; her husband, Ralph Black; and three nephews: Mike and Johnny Whitfield and Chris Caldwell.

She is survived by her sister, Pat Whitfield; her children and their spouses: Curt and Cheryll Black, Jackie and Judy Black, Tammie Black, Clayton and Kristi Bryant; her grandchildren: Lindsey Black, Jackie Black Jr. and his fiancé Cherisa, Caila and Adrian Daniel, Ryan and Amanda Black, Jaci Black, Jillian and Kelly Wood, Cameron Thornton, Zack Black, Avery Bryant, and Cole Bryant; her great-grandchildren: Caisen Lee, Cyler Daniel, Greyson Black, and Cohen Daniel; along with her two nephews, Darrell and Joey Whitfield and many great nephews and nieces that she loved as her own.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Resthaven Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 22, 2017 in the Abbey Chapel at Resthaven Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

We leave you with a message in her own words: "I loved all of you so much and I thank you with all my heart for loving me and blessing me......Laugh often, Love Truly, and Forgive Quickly!"

Contributions are appreciated to the following: Breastcancer.org; Storybridgeama.org; Pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online tributes. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.