Lena Black Gillispie

September 7, 1937 - March 10, 2021

Lena Mae Black Gillispie was called home by her heavenly father on March 10, 202l. She went peacefully in her home of forty-eight years surrounded by love. She was born September 7, 1937 in Christainsburg, Virginia to the late Trigg and Clara Nowlin. She is predeceased by her loving sister Clara Elizabeth Blake. She was married to James E. Black, Jr. until his death in 1975; born of this union, three surviving children; Jerome A. Black, LeNora Black Wilson (Rudy), Patricia Black Coleman (Eddie). Lena was blessed with a long life of love with her husband Walter H. Gillispie (Gill) until he was called home in 2007. He and Lena served the Lord together as members of Noble Street Baptist Church. They were active in numerous ministries and service as deacon. Lena is a graduate of the Christainsburg Institute and retired from the Navy Exchange system where she spent many years in retail management. She was a Godly woman who enjoyed so many things; firstly, worshiping God, family, and friends. An avid gardener who loved to landscape; she knew the names of the types of plant species and could tell you how to care for them. She was creative, liked to make things look beautiful. She was a collector of doll art and figurines. Lena loved to go on mountain {retreats' especially in the New River Valley. She was loving, funny, a good listener and friend. You could count on her to keep her word. She loved music and never stopped tapping her feet or moving to the beats. She was 'Big Momma' to many. In addition to her three children, Lena is survived by siblings Trigg M. Nowlin Jr. (Sharon); John S. Nowlin (Nancy) and grandchildren Lamar A. Black, Eddie Black (Danielle), Anthony Black, Michelle Lofton, Patrick Archer (Tanaya), Diandra Black, Jerrica Guess, Brandi Farkas, Sa'irah Thomas, and a host of great-grands, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Always present in our hearts; until we see you again my dear momma.