Carmen Black

Carmen Ercel Black, 100, formally of Lebanon, VA, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Abingdon, VA. Carmen was a loving wife as well as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Carmen was born and raised in Honaker, VA. Upon completing school, she moved to Michigan and worked for the DeSoto automobile company, where she was selected as Miss DeSoto.

During WW2 Carmen felt that it was of the utmost importance that she helped to contribute to the war effort, and thus she took flight lessons so that she could become a Ferry pilot. At the war’s end, her Army veteran cousin introduced her to his Army buddy, Donald Black, and it was love at first sight. They married in 1946 and raised their family in Michigan, eventually retiring to Lebanon, VA.

Carmen was an amazing mother, raising four children with kindness, strength, unwavering support, and the deepest love that a mother can give to her children.

When her children had grown, Carmen discovered that she had a love for photography and also an amazing natural skill for it. While taking some of the most beautiful photographs for her own enjoyment, she also managed a portrait studio for many years, as she loved to meet and interact with all the people that came to have their pictures taken.

Most of all, Carmen cherished her family, and her family cherished her, and she will be forever in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Black, and her son, Charles Black. She is survived by her daughter Donna Yops and her husband Marc; her daughter Susan Black; her daughter Sally Coan and her husband Simon; three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Carmen Black.