Mother Nellie M Black

Obituary For Mother Nellie M Black

The Matriarch of the Garrett family Mother Nellie Mae Garrett Black was born on February 10, 1933, in Jackson County, Florida, to the late Coley Garrett, Sr. and Alberta Garrett. After a life filled with faith, love, service, and dedication to family, she peacefully entered eternal rest on Monday, January 19, 2026.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Jackson County and was a very active member of the Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

On December 17, 1955, Nellie Mae Garrett was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, the late Aaron Black. Following their marriage, she moved from Greenwood, Florida, to the Poplar Springs community, where she began her new chapter as Mrs. Nellie Black. From this loving union, their family was blessed. They welcomed their first child, Carolyn Black Marshall, who preceded her in death. Their union was further blessed with four more daughters: Gwendolyn Black Grant, Verdia Black Dixon, Belinda Black Long, and their baby girl, Jeanne Black Wooden (Jeffrey).

Mother Nellie was educated in the Jackson County school system and graduated from Jackson County Training School in 1952. She furthered her education at Florida Normal and Industrial Institute in St. Augustine, Florida, where she pursued a degree in Elementary Education for two and a half years.

Mother Nellie possessed an unwavering work ethic and a heart for service. She began her healthcare career at Jackson Hospital, working as a Nurse’s Assistant from 1955 to 1959. During this time, she also worked days at Dallas Malloy Farms, demonstrating her determination and commitment to providing for her family. In 1960, she joined the Marianna Convalescent Center as a Nurse’s Assistant. Determined to excel in her profession, she earned her Licensed Nurse’s Assistant certification from Chipola College in 1982. Her dedication led to a promotion in the Physical Therapy Department, where she faithfully served as a Physical Therapy Aide.

A woman of strong faith, Mother Nellie was a devoted and active member of Poplar Springs Church. She served faithfully as President of the Senior Mission and was a proud member of the Senior Choir, lifting her voice in praise and service to the Lord. Her faith guided her life, and her example left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Mother Nellie will be lovingly remembered for her gentle spirit, warm and welcoming smile, quiet wisdom, strong determination, and unwavering faith. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch whose love for family and commitment to service guided her life. Her kind words, steady encouragement, and nurturing heart touched everyone she encountered. The legacy of her love, perseverance, wisdom, and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Mother Nellie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Aaron Black; her daughter, Carolyn Black Marshall; her parents, Coley Garrett, Sr. and Alberta Garrett; four brothers, Tommie Garrett, Coley Garrett, Jr. (Mary), Nathaniel Garrett, Sr., and Jerome Garrett; and three sisters, Josephine Garrett-Gray (Ben), Viola Garrett- Davis, and Annie Mae Garrett-Smith.

The Spiritual Homegoing service for Mother Nellie Mae Black will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the Second West Missionary Baptist Association Church where Rev. Dr. Dwight Cockerham, Sr. is the moderator and her pastor Rev. Dr. Freddie D. Roulhac, Rev. Alonzo Wilburn, and Minister Fabian Gammons officiating. Interment will follow in the Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with services entrusted to the caring and professional staff of Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna, FL.

Public viewing and visitation with the family will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at her church home Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church located at 2662 Poplar Springs Road in Marianna, FL from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Mother Nellie leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving and devoted family: four daughters, Gwendolyn Black Grant of Marianna, Florida; Verdia Black Dixon of Marianna, Florida; Belinda Black Long of Augusta, Georgia; and Jeanne Black Wooden (Jeffrey) of Greenwood, Florida

14 Grandchildren: Marvelle Pittman (Jenika), Kimbeley Grant, George Antoine Dixon, William (BJ) Grant Jr., Markita Pittman Nelson (Tyonne), Jeffrey Wooden Jr, Clarence Pittman Jr., Ebony Dixon, Shileah Long, Aaron Cornell Dixon (Sherri), Jafria Wooden, Alonzo Long, Jr., Jarelle Wooden, and LaJarius Long

16 Great Grandchildren: Tiyonna Pittman, Jaquavia Walker, Tyra Pittman, Marvelle (MJ) Jr, Jazelle Pittman; Kejon Owens, Tyler Nelson; Paris Pittman; J’Ashton Wooden, Raven Wooden, Destyni Wooden, Janelle Wooden; Jayla May, Braylon Dixon, Zaron Grant, and Kingston Grant.

5 Great-Great Grandchildren: Kaisley Gilbert, Kyheir Gilbert, Derrick (Dj)Harvey Jr., Daison Harvey, Kejon Jr.

Two sisters-in-law, Bessie Black Pittman of Marianna, Florida, and Mary Garrett of Crawfordville, Florida; nine nieces: Angela Garrett, Endora Garrett, Tammy Garrett, Sabrina Gillette, Shawanda Garrett, Minnie Lee Smith, Kreather Smith, Addie Dawson, and Vicky Jones; three nephews: Elmore Garrett, Timothy Garrett, and Nathaniel Garrett, Jr.; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Devoted Caregivers: With heartfelt gratitude, the family acknowledges the loving care provided by Kimbeley Grant (granddaughter), Tiyonna Pittman (great-granddaughter), and Endora Garrett (niece).

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Services

Visitation

Jan

30

Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church

2662 Poplar Springs Road
Marianna, FL 32446

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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Funeral Service

Jan

31

Second West Missionary Baptist Association Church

4110 Herring Avenue
Marianna, Florida 32448

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

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Interment

Jan

31

Poplar Springs Church Cemetery

2662 Cemetery Road
Marianna, FL 32446

2:30 PM

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