Loretta Joan Black

Born on January 9, 1940, in Dallas, Texas, to Noma Hannah (Robinson) Nigus and Wesley Kelton Chewning, Joan spent her early years in Dallas before moving to Salt Lake City at the age of 14. She later settled in Oklahoma City, where she built a life full of love, laughter, and family. She graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City, excelling academically and finishing a year ahead of her peers.

Jo (as she nicknamed herself) was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known for her quick wit, infectious humor, and boundless energy. She married the love of her life, Jerry Wayne Black, on February 6, 1971, and together they raised a beautiful family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Black; sisters, Noma Jo Bailey and Molly Erwin; children, Jay and Debra Guiles, Toni and Lonnie McNeal; stepdaughter, Lisa and Paul LeBlanc; and grandchildren, Todd and Brittany Guiles, Aaron Guiles, Lindsey and Joshua McClennahan, Owen and Kelcie Pickard, Jessica LeBlanc, Jennifer LeBlanc, Jamie and Stephen Pearson and Justin LeBlanc, Ashley and Mason McNeal. She was also a great-grandmother to Aarilyn, Ava, Parker, Jattie, Gideon, Gatlin, Griffin, and Cameron.

Preceded in death by Kelton and Sybie Chewning, Noma Nigus, George Christensen, Robert Chewning, and Jeline Guiles.

Joan was deeply involved in her children's lives, serving as a homeroom mom, Camp Fire Girls leader, and dedicated supporter of both their sports baseball, cheerleading, gymnastics, and other activities. In addition to her family, Jo enjoyed singing with her church choir, dancing with the Silver Sneakers Dance Group, screaming at OU football games, and sharing her passion for cooking by collecting cookbooks and preparing memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. She loved nothing more than to be with her family creating lasting memories through simple joys like go-kart riding, zoo trips, museums, and playful moments that kept her young at heart.

A visitation for Joan will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sunny Lane Funeral Home. A memorial service will occur Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 S Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73159. Burial will occur Monday, September 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Sunny Lane Funeral Home & Cemetery, 4000 SE 29th St, Del City, OK 73115.