Lois W. Black

Lois attended the University of Oklahoma for two years. When her family moved to Houston, she finished the last two years of her Business Degree in 1947, at the University of Texas, Austin. While in school she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority, and competed as a member of the Woman's Tennis Team.

Shortly after graduating she went to work for Humble Oil and Refining Company, now Exxon-Mobile. While working in the Houston corporate offices of Humble she met Marshall Black. Marshall was a graduate of Rice University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He had just been released from active duty from the Navy at the end of World War II where he served as the Captain of a minesweeper.

They were married in 1948, and had one son, Steven M. Black. Corporate moves took the family to Los Angeles, California, Midland, Texas, and finally back to Houston in 1969.

Lois was an avid Bridge player her entire adult life. In one tournament in Los Angeles in the mid '60s, she found herself competing against Omar Sharif. Lois loved music; she played the piano and later in life took up the organ. For many years she absolutely loved singing and performing with a Houston singing group known as the "Decibells."

Her last few years were spent in The Buckingham retirement community. In addition to the many lifelong friends she had in Houston, she cherished the many new friends she found at The Buckingham. She was amazed to find sorority sisters, as well as many former Humble Oil/Exxon employees also residing there. She was a very active Bridge player, playing several times each week.

Lois was preceded in death by her loving husband Marshall Black as well as her parents, Helen and Harry Whitesell of Austin, Texas. She is survived by her son, Steven Black; and her brother, Neil Whitesell and his wife Ginger of Austin, Texas.

A memorial service is to be conducted at half-past two o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 19th of October, in the Stratford Room of The Buckingham, 8580 Woodway in Houston, where Rev. Rick Myers, Associate Pastor for Caring at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception, also to be held at The Buckingham.

Prior to the Memorial Service, the family will have gathered for a private graveside service and interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in her name be directed to St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, 6720 Bertner Ave., Houston, TX, 77030.

Lois was a loving wife and devoted mother. “I am sure she would like to say ‘thank you’ to all of her friends and family members who offered her their love and support.”