Fran Black, 75, of Corning passed away May 8, 2022 at home.

Frances Suzanne Zepecki was born April 28, 1947 at Scott Field, IL. She worked as a Physical Therapist at Shriner’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Later, she worked tirelessly as a wife, mother and grandmother. Those were the greatest joys in her life. She was a frequent substitute teacher at Corning High School.

She also served as interim CHS Spanish class teacher and Band Director. Mrs. Black was a Pee Wee Basketball Coach and Minor League Coach for many years in Corning. She later served as the Principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Paragould. She was a member of St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Corning where she took on roles such as playing the organ, cleaning the church, bookkeeping, and serving as Rite of Catholic Initiation of Adults Director.

After meeting on a blind date, she eventually married John Graham Black on February 17, 1973. They were married 45 years prior to his death on February 8, 2019.

Survivors include their children, Mark O. (Christie) Black, Julie F. Black, Gene E. Black, Jennifer S. (Ibrahim) Black, Janice L. Patton, and Michael J. (Haley) Black; 10 grandchildren; and brother Robert Zepecki.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents Raymond Francis and Stephanie Lucille (Rolek) Zepecki.

A Rosary service will be held Saturday May 14, 2022 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Corning at 12:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Church. Funeral Mass will follow at the Church at 2 p.m. with Very Rev. Eddie De Leon officiating. Burial will follow at Corning Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to her member Church in care of 800 S. 11th St., Corning, AR 72422.

Online condolences: www.ermertfuneralhome.com