Carol Sue (Pickens) Black

Sue was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 16, 1937, to John and Marie (Pickering) Pickens. Her siblings John Robert Pickens, Mary Dreher and Barbara Sherburne predeceased her. Carol Sue is survived by younger sisters Judith Buscemi and Katy Kurash.

Little Suzy grew up in the shadow of WWII and remembered the coupon books and scarce supplies. She completed high school at just 16 years of age and went on to graduate from the Sacred Heart School of Business where she was recognized for her shorthand and bookkeeping skills. She would put those skills to use years later.

In 1955 at the age of 18, Sue married William H. Black and they went on to raise their four children in Ohio. Bill passed in 1985. Their second son, David J. Black, was killed in a car accident 4 years ago. Carol is survived by Donald Black, the eldest, who visited 10 months ago to celebrate Carol's 85th birthday, and also daughters Judy Bostwick and Jane Sherburne, always by her side in Safety Harbor.

Carol leaves behind beloved grandchildren; Nicholas, Candice, Clare, Alison, Sean, Celeste, Samantha, Michael, Stefanie and Dylan, and great grandchildren Kimberly, Shianne, Julien, Carissa, Sean Jr, Sophia and Myla.

In 1978, Carol had moved to the Clearwater, Florida area. Here she established her career as an accountant in the insurance industry, holding successively challenging and responsible roles over three plus decades. She fully retired at the age of 75. During this time, Carol developed a cadre of close friends who remain dear friends to one another and to the family Carol leaves behind. They knew her for her wit, warmth, intelligence and generosity.

Carol loved to travel and did so often with family and friends whenever the opportunity arose. She explored the United States extensively, living in Utah for a brief time while she held a short-term accounting position. New Orleans and New York had a special place in her heart. She went with dear friends to Europe and North Africa and had quite the adventure exploring Rum Cay in the Bahamas.

Her interests were wide ranging. She was an avid reader, studied financial investments and enjoyed deep sea fishing and golf. She was a proprietor of a restaurant for a time. As a long-time Disney fan, she enjoyed spoiling each of her grandchildren with a trip to the parks when they were young.

Most of Carol's life, she was a business woman who worked hard and played hard. She was the strong, loving matriarch of her family and a woman who brought light and energy to every endeavor. She lived life to it's fullest and inspired those in her life to do the same.

The ripple effect of positivity and change she created in the world around her will continue long after this day.

Flowers are welcome, alternately please consider a donation to the charity of your choice or to Feeding Tampa Bay.