Ginny Black

Virginia Valora Vandegrift Black, 95, formerly from Akron Ohio passed away Sunday July 25, 2021 in Columbus Ohio. She was born in Casper, Wyoming on June 17, 1926 the daughter of William C and Athol Valora Stevenson Vandegrift.  She is preceded in death by her husband Donald Leo Black, her brothers Donald, William, Robert and her sister Elizabeth Tinch. The family moved to Denver where after graduating high school, she studied at the University of Denver to be a teacher.  During a summer break from teaching first grade, she took a trip to Boston. On a sightseeing tour she met a dashing midshipman from the US Naval Academy. They were married following his graduation in 1952, eventually settling in Akron, Ohio in 1963 with their four children.

   Ginny and Don were very active in their children's lives: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, High School Band Parents and more. Ginny's love for children (remember, she was a teacher)  led her to volunteer for several years with Children's Concert Society, which introduced classical music and the Cleveland symphony to school children in Akron.  She was also instrumental in developing children's day care centers in Akron.

   Ginny, along with her husband found other avenues for volunteer work. They spent countless hours as docents at Stan Hywet and she was active in Pilot Club of Akron. Having recalled the challenges of growing up in the depression  many of her efforts were aimed at providing families and children with resources. For example, Ginny volunteered at West Side Good Neighbors food pantry until she moved to Columbus to be near her oldest daughter .In Columbus she often helped stock several different food pantries. Ginny and Don developed quite a travel bug and were fortunate enough to explore many places in the world. Ginny continued to do so until her later years.   

Ginny is survived by her four children: Anne (Donald) Skaggs, Bill (Donna Heppner), Jane, Lynn (Andy)Hansen and two grandchildren Robert and Elise.

All are welcome to a memorial service Sept.16, 3:30pm at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Calling hours from 2:30 to 3:30.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to West Side Good Neighbors of Akron: 1453 Goodyear Blvd, Akron OH 44305. (www.good-neighbors.org)

Services  in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.