Emma L. Black, age 92, of Joplin, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at Freeman Hospital, Joplin. Mrs. Black, daughter of the late Frank and Ethel (Ferguson) Layman, was born on September 2, 1927 in Joplin. She was a lifelong resident and a graduate of Joplin High School. She was united in marriage to Howard Black on November 27, 1947 in Joplin. Howard preceded her in death on November 18, 2011. She was employed for many years with First National Bank of Joplin and then with Ozark Christian College. She enjoyed baking, specializing in cakes for weddings, birthdays and special occasions. She was an active member of the Blendville Christian Church.

Survivors include her son, Paul Black, of Joplin; one daughter, Elizabeth Heltzel, and her husband, Larry, of Joplin; three grandchildren, Randall Simmons, and his wife, Roberta, Melinda Carrico, and her husband, Huey, and Dennis Bateman Jr., and his wife, Phaedra; ten great grandchildren, Melissa, Alexis, Madison, Levi, Kayla, Kaydn, Kaymn, Dennis III, Isis, and Benjamin; and one great-great grandchild, Jaxton. In addition to her parents and husband, Emma was preceded in death by four brothers; one sister; one daughter, Rebecca Ruth Black, and one grandson, Randall Simmons II.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin with burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, with words of comfort spoken by Randy Wilson. The family will receive friends on Monday, November 25th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the mortuary. Memorial donations may be made to the Blendville Christian Church and may be entrusted to the mortuary.