Margaret Ann Hyatt “Mardee” Black, age 83 of Morganton, NC, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Amorem in Valdese surrounded by her family.
Born in Syracuse, NY on April 24, 1941 to the late Frances and Marion Miller Hyatt, Mardee graduated from Marcellus High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Syracuse University where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta International Women’s fraternity. She also earned her Master of Arts from Appalachian State University. She was a beloved teacher who was a role model for countless students throughout her career. She taught in New York, Maryland, and North Carolina in the Burke County Public Schools from 1980 to 2005. Mardee cared deeply for each student and celebrated their success. She loved working with children both in school and in church music groups and Sunday School classes. Mrs. Black planned activities for children beyond the curriculum that they would remember long after a certain page in a textbook.
Mrs. Black was preceded in death by parents and her in-laws, James T. and Margaret R. Black; sister-in-law, Lise W. Black; and nephew, Jim Black.
Mardee was an active member of First Baptist Church Morganton where she played handbells, sang in the choir, taught children's music, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs and was a deacon. She was a woman of strong faith who lived it in her daily walk with the Lord and her service to others.
She enjoyed all sorts of crafting, making Chrismons, quilting and cross-stitching. Her home is filled with the beautiful needlework she created.
Mrs. Black is survived by her husband of 59 years, Ron Black; children, Scott Black (Laura) of Morganton and Elisabeth Black Winkler (Rob) of Lenoir; grandchildren, Ben Winkler, Ryan Winkler, and Sara Black; brother, Dr. David Hyatt (MaryAnn) of Daniel Island, SC; brothers-in-law, Jim Black (Wilma) of Morganton, Steve Black of Morganton, and David Black (Karen) of High Point; and several nephews, a niece, as well as an extended family who loved her dearly. Mardee and Ron were also host parents to an exchange student from Japan, Mayumi Carlsson Senoo (Bo) now living in Sweden.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 2, 2025 in the Kistler House at First Baptist Church Morganton. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Rev. Fred Schuszler, Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr., Rev. Mike Johnson, and Dr. Josh Hughes officiating. The graveside service will follow at Burke Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Amorem (formerly Caldwell Hospice) 902 Kirkwood St, NW Lenoir, NC 28645.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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My heart hurts for the Black family and all those who loved this beautiful, amazing woman. She was a wonderful, caring teacher. She will be missed!
Mardee was my mentor teacher my first year teaching at Forest Hill Elementary in Morganton. She was a colleague but most importantly she was a friend- more like family. Her love and support helped me become the leader I am today! I loved her dearly. She will be missed!
As Mardee's beautiful light went out for us left on Earth, her beloved soul found its eternal home in Heaven. With broken hearts, we say goodbye to a wonderful woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her faith in God, joy for life, dedication to family, and love of God's creation gained her the respect and love of all who knew her. We send our love and prayers for peace to Mardee's precious family.
Condolences and prayers from Alexis, Zoe, and Aubree
Rob I am sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. It sounds like she had a very successful and fulfilling life while making a difference in so many young people. May the family and friends navigate the grieving process filled with good memories.