Norma J. Black

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Norma Jean (Twigger) Black passed on March 25, 2020 following a long illness, which she faced with the same strength and zest for life exuded throughout her 92 very full years.

Born on July 31, 1927 in Pittsburgh, PA to Norman and Jessie Twigger, Norma was raised as an only child after her younger brother, Arthur, died unexpectedly at three months old. It was this experience as well as growing up during the depression surrounded by many extended family members in the same house, which resulted in her desire to have a large family.

She fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Daniel “Bud” Black, and often reminisced about the carefree, fun days they enjoyed before graduating in 1945 from Baldwin High School in Brentwood, PA. Norma attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing until she married Bud after his return from WWII.

It was then that Norma’s lifelong dream to have a large family was fulfilled as she and Bud embraced the joy and adventure that three daughters and a son brought to them. In addition to a busy family, their home was always filled with extended family members and friends whether it was a weekday night or a special New Year’s Eve party. Their wrap-around porch on Mowry Drive in Pleasant Hills, PA was the scene of many spontaneous summer night gatherings where everyone was welcomed. Norma never knew who was going to show up for dinner, but she was always ready for them.

As a loving mother, Norma instilled in her children a strong sense of family; what a gift it was to have close sibling relationships; and encouraged that “they could do anything they put their minds to.” She loved playing bridge, reading, dancing, family trips to Stone Harbor, NJ and music – especially Frank Sinatra. She also expressed her love through baking cherry pies, brownies and cookies as well as taking countless pictures and creating keepsake albums.

Norma and Bud moved to Charlotte, NC in 1983 as the result of a company relocation. Leaving behind their childhood hometown and many beloved, lifelong friends was one of the hardest things she and Bud did together. Norma loved playing golf and made many new friends in Charlotte as a result. At age 62, Norma challenged herself to learn how to use the computer. From then on, she sent all of her friends and family members unique “Cards by Norma” on their birthdays, anniversaries and at Christmas.

In 1994, Norma and Bud moved to Vero Beach, Florida where they enjoyed their dream retirement of golfing, dancing, taking “dips” in the pool, entertaining friends and walking every morning. She often captured photos of beautiful sunrises and sunsets from their balcony overlooking the ocean to entice her children, grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren to come visit.

Married to Bud for 72 years until his passing in 2018, Norma was not only a loyal wife, but a devoted mother, loving grandmother, proud great grandmother and friend to all. She will be forever remembered for her ability to make others feel special with her bright smile, her gift of true hospitality and entertaining; and the space she made for others to squeeze in next to her for a hug and to catch up.

She leaves behind her four children and their spouses who filled her life with all the fun and joy she dreamed of having as a child: daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Jeff Davis, daughter and son-in-law, Gayle and Tim Eason, daughter, Lynn Carroll, and son, Daniel Black; her adored grandchildren, Christine Eubanks, Jennifer Schwartz, Julie Eason, Danny Carroll, Lisa Lynch and Amy Curtis; as well as eleven great grandchildren Kate & Macyn Eubanks, Colette, Sabine & Simone Schwartz, Noah Gutch, Hudson & Barrett Carroll, Andrew Lynch, and Addison & Austin Curtis.

Norma’s family would like to thank Waltonwood Providence and the Hospice and Palliative Care teams who befriended and lovingly cared for Norma in her final years.

A celebration of Norma’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Hills Library, 302 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, or Hospice and Palliative Care, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226

Condolences or favorite memories/stories about Norma would be cherished and may be sent to McEwen Funeral Home Pineville Chapel at 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 online at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.