Emma “Sandy” Grace Black, of Salem, MO passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at the age of 82.
She was born on September 9, 1943 in Kansas City, MO to the late Harvy Ellis Gatchel and Rose Mae (Molby) Gatchel. On October 12, 1974, she married Gerald Edward Black. He preceded her in death on December 29, 2023. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Anna Marie Gatchel.
Sandy was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Rolla. She enjoyed sudoku puzzles and she was an avid reader. In her younger years, gardening gave her much pleasure. Christmas was one of her favorite times of the year and she loved riding around town and seeing the Christmas lights. Spending time with her family and friends was her greatest joy.
Sandy will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes: two stepdaughters, Dana Avent and husband, B.J. of St. Louis, MO and Julie Black of Florida; a brother, Claude “Andy” Gatchel of Independence, MO; one sister, Goldie Mae Masterson of Edgar Springs, MO; three grandchildren, Caren Rose, Shelby Avent and Victoria McClure; and five great grandchildren, Allexus, Logan, Gunner, Casey and Nova Lee.
A memorial service for Emma “Sandy” Black will be conducted at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Philadelphia Baptist Church. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 4 p.m. at the church.
Memorial donations in honor of Sandy Black are suggested to Philadelphia Baptist Church.
All arrangements are under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla.
