Mayola Black

The fabric of our family, Our Love, Mayola Henry Black was born on August 15, 1921 in Clearview, Oklahoma to Samuel and Maggie Chilton. Mayola was the last sibling of this union, who have all preceded her in death, Mayola was raised by God fearing parents, who gracefully instilled the word of God in her at a very early age. Mayola met the love of her life Willie D. Black while they attended Clearview High School. Mayola was the Salutatorian of her high school class and Willie was the Valedictorian. They were quite the “intellectual” twosome. Willie, being so attractive to her, begins to make all of their dreams come true by making Mayola his wife. This was the beginning of a true love story when they united in Holy Wedlock in 1941. Willie joined the United States Army and later enlisted into the Air Force where he became the First African American Chief Master Sergeant, in the United States Air Force. This was the beginning of a life living abroad. Mayola lived in Paris, France and was able to educate their children in France. She resided there for over 10 years and spoke fluent French. She also had the pleasure of living in Ipswich, England with her best friend Dorothy, who was married to the First African American Four Star General, Chappie James. Arriving in Oxnard, California in 1955, she became Oxnard’s first black beautician, and made sure that the beautiful women of Saint Paul Baptist Church hair was addresses to impress! Mother was also pianist for Saint Paul Baptist Church, under the pastorship of the late Rev. Jesse Walker. She loved entertaining her family and friends playing the piano. Mother truly lived a full and joyful life. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of so many; who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Out of this union Mayola and Willie were blessed with six children. Willie her beloved husband preceded her in death in 2011, along with Willie D. Black Jr., Phillip L. Black, Diane D. Black, and Michael A. Black,. Yet remaining to cherish fond memories, are two daughters, Barbara K. Black, Inglewood, CA and Franciene P. Black, Oxnard CA and also her help mate and devoted loving caretaker Poppy, whom Mother loved as her son. Mayola is survived by Uchenna C. Okehi, Chidiebere Okehi, Paul A. Gray, Chiomaezronesha Tafoya, (Josh) and Marley, Oluwamuyiwa Gray. Deborah Davis her first grand daughter, Michael A. Black first grand son, Ashley Richardson, her first great grand daughter and a host of grand, great grand children, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. We thank God for 96 years of love and blessing us with her presences. This family, and her role as Mother and Grandmother, was the most important thing to Mom. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. Mother you left an amazing trail for us to follow. Mother, She feeds us, Teaches us, Spends time with us, She lives on through us. For this is what the Lord says... “As a Mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” Isaiah 66.12. 13 Niv