Mary Eliza Black, 88, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, in Chiefland, Fla.
Mary was born on Feb. 9, 1935, in Mayo, Fla., to Allen Augustus and Osie Mae Turlington Buchanan.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Allen Augustus and Osie Mae Buchanan; her long-time companion, Lonnie B. Infinger, Sr.; her second husband, Robert Lyle Black, Sr.; and her first husband, Robert Edmond Wadsworth.
She is survived by children John E. Wadsworth (Randi), of Brooksville, Fla.; Robert L. Black, Jr. (Kristy), of Perry, Fla.; William A. Black (Shirley), of Cross City, Fla.; Lisa Gayle Infinger-Quirk (Frank), of Guyton, Ga.; along with eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, one brother, Gus “Buddy” Buchanan (Eileen), of Mayo, Fla., as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Mary’s life was characterized by hard work, from her early years of working on the family farm to the physical labor of moving and selling palm trees to the passion she put into managing a plant nursery full of flowers and plants that she loved dearly. Throughout her many years, she enjoyed singing, dancing, fishing and cooking huge meals for her kids and family. In her later years, she continued to nurture her family, cared for her flowers and kept her mind sharp with hours of daily crossword puzzles.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home of Mayo, with Reverend Jimmy Corbin officiating. Internment services will follow immediately afterward at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Mayo. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Burns Funeral Home of Mayo. All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry.
Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.