Josephine Black

Josephine "Jo" Black, the daughter of Cecil and Daisy Shawver, was born August 3, 1919, in Pleasantville, IA. She graduated from high school in Knoxville, IA, and went on to earn degrees in music and education from Morningside College in Sioux City. She lived and worked in Sioux City and Des Moines before moving to Spencer in 1948. Jo married Kenneth M. Black on April 24, 1952. They became members of the Hope Reformed Church in 1953. Jo was active in the church as a Sunday School Teacher, in Bible study groups and Women of Hope, sang second soprano in the Hope Trio, and was choir director for 20 years. Her music career also included performing as a cellist with the Sioux City Symphony, singing or playing in the annual Spencer Messiah, and as a Messiah Board Member. She was always available to play in groups or as a soloist for weddings and other occasions. After Ken's death in 1968, Jo worked as the Hope Reformed Church secretary and then was a special education teaching assistant in the Spencer school system for many years. She also was a Sunshine Center Board Member. After retiring, she remained active in Federated Women's Club, Bible study, and other activities. Josephine passed away at the Worthington Hospital on February 22, 2008, at the age of 88, with her children and grandchildren at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, husband Ken, and two sisters, Maurine Glenn and Jennie Harsin. Left to cherish her memory are: her children, Sharmin Black, Kevin Black and wife Jennifer, all of Worthington, MN and Jocelyn Black and husband Tim Hime of Circle Pines, MN; grandchildren: Kasey, Allison and Jack Black; step-grandsons: Jamie and Culley Fricton; two sisters, Billie Hoekstra of Cedar Falls and Dixie Kanago of Spencer; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT