Carol-Ann Black

Carol-Ann Black, 83, formerly of Jacksonville, Fla., died Thursday, February 8 at her home in Cumming, Ga. Born January 2, 1941, in Newark, N.J., to Emma P. (Sedlak) and Rudolph A. Klauser, she grew up in Millburn before moving to Short Hills, N.J.

After two years at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, she married Lt. (j.g.) Gene Black in June 1961 and supported his long career as a Navy wife. She moved the family from Charleston, S.C., to Newport, R.I., Worcester, Mass., London, Athens, back to Newport, then Tinton Falls, N.J., Juneau, Alaska and Short Hills, N.J. Prior to moving to Forsyth County, she lived almost 30 years in Jacksonville.

Despite the frequent moves of a Navy Wife and the demands of raising a young family, she attended over six colleges and universities to earn her Bachelor of Arts from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, N.J.

She was a devoted Catholic woman of faith. For many years, she was the editor of The Courier, the parish newspaper of Christ the King in Jacksonville. She was President of its Council of Catholic Women as well as a member of its Resurrection Guild and a reader to the school’s elementary-aged children. She was a longtime supporter of the Native American missions in South Dakota and Alaska.

Having lived all over the world, there were virtually no strangers in her life; she welcomed all she met. It was said she could even make a rock talk! She enjoyed playing cards, reading books and knitting. She owned German Shepherds from the time she wed until moving to Georgia.

Late in life, she rediscovered her love for the violin and played for almost 20 years.

Her family -- especially her grand- and great-grandchildren -- were her shining lights. She traveled throughout the US and overseas to visit them all and celebrate their birthdays, graduations and sacraments, setting a wonderful example of love and generosity. For many summers, the entire family vacationed near a lake or mountain, enjoying a week together.

She is survived by her children, Vice Adm. Eugene H. III, USN (Lori Blaisdell) of Washington, D.C., Carol-Ann Parker (John) of West Union, S.C., Julianne B. Sullivan (Francis) of Cumming, Andrew J. (Kathy) of Cumming and Matthew J. (Christy) of Juno Beach, Fla., as well as 10 grandchildren: Maj. Riannon J. Frebel, USA (Dave), Aleca R. Stamey (Joey), Nicholas E. Black and Lt. (j.g.) Helena C. Blaisdell-Black, USN; Kathryn A. Parker-Hutzel (Eric) and John T. Parker IV (Megan Dotson); Sheila E. and Regina M. Sullivan; Anna R. and Alison C. Black; and three great-grandchildren: Byron D. and Leo D. Frebel, and Valentine M. Stamey.

She is also survived by her sister, Ellen J. Pairo (Bill) of Wheaton, Md., and brother, Eugene R. Klauser (Eileen) of Califon, N.J., as well as her sister-in-law, Rose Mary Allen (Dave) of Jamestown, N.Y. and Lakeland, Fla.

She was predeceased by her husband of 38 years, retired Capt. Eugene H. Black, Jr., USN.

Funeral Mass to be celebrated at Church of the Good Shepherd (3740 Holzclaw Rd., Cumming), Friday, February 16 at 11:00 am; visitation preceding at 10:00 am. Burial at St. Rose of Lima parish (50 Short Hills Ave., Short Hills, N.J.) in about a month. Memorial Mass at Christ the King church (742 Arlington Rd. N., Jacksonville) at a date to be determined. The family requests no lilies in any arrangements. Contributions in her name may be made to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge (1552 Shoup Court, Decatur, Ga.) or Stratford Friends School (2 Bishop Hollow Rd., Newtown Square, Pa.). Arrangements: McDonald & Son Funeral Home, Cumming.

Proverbs 31: 10-31.