Patricia Ann Black

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of much beloved Patricia Ann Jackson-Black. Pat as she was affectionately known, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 8th, 1936, and departed at the age of 87 on May 8th, 2023, at Sholom Home East COPD Hospice Care, St. Paul, Minnesota. She had been married with 2 children, Joe Black (MN) and Jada Black (CA), who survive her in death, along with her grandchildren: Brailon and Daisha Black, Kaleena and Keenan Jackson-Almon, Shannon and Jefferey Black, and great grandchildren: Tristyn Black, Britain Black and Audriyn Balcazar-Black. She is also survived in death by her brother, Daniel Jackson (MN), as well as many nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Black (CA), mother, Dorothy May Ewing-Jackson (MN), father Daniel Jackson (CA), sisters Dorothy Jean Davis (MN), Elaine Danieletta Renfro (CA), and Danice Georgiana Ogbonna (AZ). Pat began her work life as a clerical typist with State Farm Insurance Company from 1954 to 1963. Pat was one of the first Black American's to be hired at State Farms North Central office. It should be noted that during that time, those types of positions were not offered to black people and so when Pat got hired on a fluke, she worked really hard to make an impression and as a result, opened the door for State Farm to hire more black people. Pat left State Farm in 1963, when Joe Jr. was born to become a stay-at-home Mom. Pat and Joe Sr. also welcomed their daughter, Jada in 1966. Pat then returned to the work world in 1975, at Great American Insurance Company as an Underwriter. Pat remained there until the company relocated their offices to Minnetonka in 1983. She subsequently returned to State Farm as an Underwriter and worked there until she retired in 1997. One of the things that Pat marveled at was seeing not only black women working in clerical positions, but black men and women in managerial positions! She took great pride in the representation of minorities she saw, knowing that it wasn't that long ago that these roles - let alone management type roles, were out of reach for Black Americans. While working, Pat also maintained her community involvement with the ASANDC (Aurora/St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation.) An organization that helps revitalize and develop neighborhoods, teach people to take pride in their neighborhood and take pride in themselves. This was especially meaningful to Pat because much of her young childhood and teenage years taught her to be ashamed of being black and that based on the color of one's skin that they couldn't be good enough. This organization sought and succeeded in changing the lens to a positive and empowering one for which black people saw themselves. Pat served in several roles for ASANDC including Journal Editorial Writer and Administrative Assistant. Pat also had a flair for writing and some of her story pieces were featured in the ASANDC newsletter. She also earned her diploma for writing from the Institute of Children's Literature. As a child, Pat's interests were in playing basketball, baseball, playing the piano and painting. She loved classical music, and her first jobs were shoveling snow and working on a truck farm which she really loved! She considered herself a bit of a tomboy. She also took up bowling with her then beau, Joseph Black Sr. and continued bowling until the end of the season in 2014. Pat also loved the winter and enjoyed sledding. Pat would stay outside playing "'til my toes got so cold they went numb". Pat was a remarkable woman with many dimensions. She allowed her artistic side to shine in her watercolor and rock paintings. She also studied classical piano since childhood and pursued Apparel Design and Creation. She created many wardrobe pieces from scratch for herself and Jada. She was quiet, contemplative, artistic and a beautiful soul. We are moved by Pat's spirit through and beyond her transition. Her generosity, thoughtfulness, dry humor, sense of fairness and inspiring talents are already missed. She is cherished and beloved with deepest affection.

Tributes

Patricia Ann Black

March 8, 1936 - May 8, 2023

Tributes

Patricia Ann Black

March 8, 1936 - May 8, 2023

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