Allarea Black

Allarea Black, 91, of Sulphur Springs, passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2013, surrounded by her family in a Dallas hospital. She is survived by her husband, Ira Black, son Dr. David Black, his wife Pam, and their two daughters Kaylene and Kaytlin, also of Sulphur Springs. A daughter Nancy Black Perkins and her husband Greg residing in Atlanta, Georgia.
Allarea was born on April 17, 1921 in Quinlan, Texas to parents Arabelle and Harry Ford. She was preceded in death by one brother Walter Harris Ford, also of Quinlan. Education played an important role in her life in which she held a bachelor's degree from Texas Women's University and a master's degree from East Texas State University. She taught high school home economics for 36 years, during which time she was awarded the Area VI Homemaking Teacher of the Year. Not only did she serve as an honorary member and advisor to Future Homemakers of America, she was also active in the Sulphur Springs chapter of Young Homemakers of Texas. Upon retirement in 1985, she was honored by a college scholarship, established in her name by the Young Homemakers, to be given annually to a Sulphur Springs High School Future Homemaker graduate. Due to her passion and lifetime commitment to the Agriculture community, at the 2004 Ag Workers Appreciation Dinner, Governor Rick Perry recognized both her and Mr. Black for their Outstanding Careers in Agriculture as well as having the privilege and honor of being selected the parade marshals for the Sulphur Springs Fall Festival.
Through the years, she had also been active in both Jr. Waverly and the Garden Club, serving as president of both. As a cancer survivor herself, she gave back by volunteering her time to aid in transportation of other cancer patients. She was a longtime member of the Crusader's Class at Sulphur Springs First United Methodist Church. However, her greatest pride and joy was being able to share, inspire, and play an active role supporting not only her children but her two special granddaughters.
Following retirement, she and family enjoyed traveling the world. They had many happy memories of trips throughout Europe, Scandanavia, the British Isles, China, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand as well as Alaska and Hawaii.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 4th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. Following a private interment, a memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs on Saturday, January 5th at 2:00 pm to celebrate her zest of life.
The family is especially grateful for the wonderful care provided by the doctors and nursing staff at both Hopkins Co. Memorial Hospital and Zale Lipshy Hospital in Dallas.
Memorial contributions in honor of Mrs. Black may be directed to First United Methodist Church, 301 Church Street, Sulphur Springs Texas 75482.