Merl Jean Black

Merl Jean Black, 89, formerly of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, November 10, 2014 at Independence Care Center in Perryville, MO.
Mrs. Black was born December 14, 1924 in Poplar Bluff to the late James E. and Malissa C. Heady Markham. She was married to Walter Black, who passed June 5, 1994.
She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and attended Ursuline Academy in Ironton, MO. In her early years she worked with her husband at Izzy's Ladies Shoes in Poplar Bluff, and was also a homemaker. She enjoyed spending time with her family and taking them to travel through Europe. She was an avid reader and a dedicated fan of Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, and enjoyed oil painting beautiful landscapes.
Survivors include her children: Linda Layton (Stanley), of Perryville, MO, and Robert Michael Black (Joyce), of Trumann, AR, and four grandchildren: Lance Layton of Orlando, FL, Shane Layton of Lubbock, TX, Benjamin Black of Jonesboro, AR, and Preston Black, of Trumann AR.
Along with her husband, she was also preceded in death by a brother and a sister.
A prayer service will begin at 6 p.m. at Cotrell Funeral Chapel Thursday with visitation following until 8 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father David Coon officiating. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.