Laura Gautney Black

Laura Jean Gautney Black (2/14/75 to 6/23/12) went to be with the Lord late Saturday evening after a courageous five-year battle with breast cancer. Laura passed into eternity while in her husband’s loving arms.

Born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Laura was raised in a Christian home and became one of God’s true and faithful servants. She graduated from Deshler High School, received B.A. and law degrees from the University of Alabama. In Tuscaloosa, she met and married the love of her life, Bill Black and together they have three children. Through their marriage and partnership, Laura and Bill created and developed a popular children’s product, “Baby Face Band.”

Laura inspired countless lives as she “ran with endurance the race that was set before [her] fixing [her], eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of [her] faith.” She leaves a Christian heritage to her children through her writings and her book. Laura was an active member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, where she faithfully served in Women’s and Children’s ministries.

She is survived by her husband, William Thomas Black IV, her three children William Thomas Black V (9), Gracyn Olivia Black (8), and Caroline Reagan Black (4). Also surviving are her parents Russell and Linda Gautney, her brother Timothy Michael Gautney (Martha), her grandmother Olivia Gautney, her in-laws William and Judy Black, sister-in-law Elise Gredvig (Matt), grandmother Lida Willey Kimbrough, aunts, uncles, nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Homer and Ellen Hahn, as well as her grandfathers Larry Gautney and William Thomas Black II.

Visitation will be Monday, June 25th from 5-8pm at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, June 26th at 1:00pm, following a family only graveside service.

At Laura’s request, in lieu of flowers, please continue her legacy of letters to her children by sharing with them how her ministry has impacted your life. Please send these letters to: [email protected] or mail to P.O. Box 660982 Birmingham, AL 35266. Donations may be made to either the Will, Gracy and Caroline College Fund at the above address or in her name to Briarwood Presbyterian Church “For Coming Generations” Fund at 2200 Briarwood Way Birmingham, AL 35243.