Arlene Black Obituary

Nov. 1, 1942 - Jun. 21, 2024

Obituaries are always so formal and stoic, which is something I know my mom would detest. So I am going to write this a little differently.

Arlene C. Black was the most amazing mom anyone could ask for. She was kind, compassionate, and was always there when someone needed help. She was a girl scout leader, dance recital mom, and the "cool" mom - and that was just the start. She spent most of her life selflessly volunteering with multiple organizations. She was President of the Hospice Shiawassee County Board, Band Booster President of the Owosso Trojan Marching Band, President of the Shiawassee Arts Council, volunteered alongside my father at the Shiawassee Country Fair for many years, and most importantly, provided her administrative and photography skills to Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer.

Even though her volunteer work took a lot of her time, she didn't let that prevent her from living a full and exciting life. She truly lived life to the fullest and had amazing experiences with family and friends. I can guarantee that anyone who knew her has at least one if not more, memories of a fun time with my mom.

I was fortunate enough to have my mom move to Jackson with me and eventually move into an addition built by my husband. She was my "next door" neighbor for the last four years and I am so blessed to have had her as a part of my everyday life.

When reading obituaries, the big question is always, what happened? My mom has had COPD and MS for a number of years and her quality of life has been consistently declining. Anyone who knew her knows she was always very active and on the go. Over the last number of years, that was no longer the case. She was no longer able to walk without a walker or breathe without oxygen. Her days consisted of moving from the bed to the couch and back again. Although she had her fur baby Abby, she woke up most days upset that she was still here. She prayed for peace and to be able to go home to her Father and Savior. He finally heard our prayers and brought her home. She is finally at peace and no longer in pain. Her passing should not be thought of as a loss, but rather a blessing.

Now to talk about her friends and family. My mom, Arlene Black, is survived by her daughter (me), Kristin (Black) Stockbridge and my husband Alan Stockbridge who was like a son. My brother Douglas D. Black was her firstborn. The last thing she printed out on her printer was a picture of him. She often spoke of how proud she was of the talent he showed in so many ways. She was lucky enough to have two bonus children, Steven (Tammy) Black and Diane Black, my other brother and sister. She is also survived by her daughter Sandra Pierce. She is also survived by grandchildren, Danielle Spencer, Ginger White, Vince Black, Olivia Lyons, Chelsea Borton, Taylor Kennedy, Sophia Perrelli, Jaden Black, Caleb Black, and bonus granddaughter Cori Miller, along with great-grandchildren as well. Other close relatives include her nieces and nephew, Laure (Steven) Preston, Larry Brown, Cindy (Tom) Vita, and their children. She was also fortunate to have had her cousin, Fred Harrer, come back into her life and to be able to share so many stories of the past.

But it's most important to mention her friends. She was pre-deceased by her very best friend Karen Stadler of Owosso, MI. They literally invented the term ride or die and anyone who knew the two of them would agree. They are now together again and as their surviving friend Carolyn O'Connell said, they are now sharing a Miller Genuine Draft (thank you CO for being such an amazing friend to my mom). She is also survived by her longtime childhood friend, Joyce Welch of Sarasota, FL. They have been friends for 70 years! (thank you Joyce for being a part of her life all these years). And finally, to all the amazing friends she made once she moved to Jackson. Thank you all for being a part of her life and helping her continue the driveway drinking ritual!

I'll end this by saying, if you knew my mom, you knew love, joy, compassion, and acceptance. She never judged. She never looked down on anyone else. She never put herself above anyone else. And I am so lucky to have had her as my mother - Kristin (Black) Stockbridge

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/arlene-black-obituary?id=55406320#obituary