Irma Lois Gunn Black

On the evening of April 30, 2023, Irma Lois Gunn Black, of West Point, Georgia, affectionately known as Irma, was called home to be with our Heavenly Father in LaGrange, Georgia, after a life well-lived and filled with love, faith, and joy. Born on February 11, 1928, in Lanett, Alabama, Irma was a shining example of a loving, faith-filled, and selfless woman who devoted her life to her family and community.

Irma was a pillar of strength and love for her family, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories and valuable life lessons. She is survived by her loving children, Vivian (Terry) Pitts, Dianne Pitts, Susie (Kenneth) Prince, Marvin (Carolyn) Black, Jeff (Mary Lynn) Black, Rodger (Rhonda) Black, Curt (Bobbie) Black, and Christy (Kevin) Franks. Irma's heart was filled with joy for her 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She also leaves behind 14 nieces and nephews, as well as a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, John Black, daughters, Shirley Black Cordero, Lois Black, her parents, and six siblings, Alver Gunn, Jr., Thelma Gunn Gooden, Arthur Gunn, Mildred Gunn Lott, Gene Gunn, and Harold Gunn. 

For 55 years, Irma was a dedicated and longtime member of the Flat Shoals Baptist Church, where she served the Lord with all her heart and soul. Her unwavering faith in the Lord was evident in her daily walk, and she was a living testimony of God's love and grace. Irma's devotion to her faith and her church family was a shining example for all who knew her.

As a homemaker, Irma created a loving and nurturing home for her family, where she instilled the values of faith, love, and service. Her selfless nature and caring spirit were evident in her 12 years of volunteering as a teacher's aide at Temple Christian School. Irma found great joy in serving the children of the school, and she was a beloved figure in the lives of countless students.

Irma's interests were vast and varied, reflecting her love for the beauty of God's creation and the simple joys in life. She was an avid bird lover and collector of porcelain birds, which she displayed with pride in her home. Irma also enjoyed listening to gospel music on WEBT, allowing the uplifting melodies to fill her heart and home with joy and praise. A devout Christian lady, Irma's love for the Lord was evident in every aspect of her life, and she was a source of inspiration for all who knew her.

Irma's love for her children and grandchildren knew no bounds, and she was a steadfast presence in their lives. Her gentle guidance, unwavering support, and unconditional love were a testament to her selfless nature and the depth of her devotion to her family. Irma's love for her family extended beyond her own children and grandchildren, touching the lives of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who all held a special place in her heart.

In her spare time, Irma could often be found working in her yard, tending to her beautiful flowers and bountiful garden. Blessed with a green thumb, Irma took great pride in her gardening abilities and the beauty she was able to create through her hard work and dedication. Her love for nature and the beauty of God's creation was a constant source of inspiration and joy in her life.

Irma Lois Gunn Black was a loving, faith-filled, and selfless woman who will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and service, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. As we gather to celebrate Irma's life and honor her memory, let us remember the love, joy, and faith that she brought to our lives and strive to carry on her legacy of devotion to family, community, and the Lord.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). Irma Lois Gunn Black fought the good fight, finished her race, and kept her faith in the Lord. Now she rests in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father, where she will continue to watch over her beloved family and friends until we are all reunited in eternal glory.

Mrs. Black's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff at Twin Fountains Nursing Home, the Wellstar Georgia Hospice staff of nurses, doctors, and caregivers for the care and compassion given to their mother. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 2:00P.M. EDT at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Valley with interment in Flat Shoals Baptist Church Cemetery in West Point, Georgia. Her family will be receiving friends at the church on Thursday from 1:00P.M. EDT until 2:00P.M. EDT. 

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley is directing. 

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