John James Black

Mr. John Black, age 88, a resident of Morton passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 in Morton.  Visitation will be held 1pm-2pm Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Morton Church of Christ.  Services will be held at 2pm Sunday from the church.  There will be no graveside service and burial will be in Sims Cemetery.  Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton.

 Mr. Black was born in Kilmichael, MS on February 12, 1936. He loved his church and was a member of Morton Church of Christ. John enjoyed collecting clocks, glassware and operated the jewelry store in Morton for many years. He raised all the children that came when he married Helen and never waivered with his love for them. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Black and Laura Lee Brown Black; wife Helen Massey Smith Black; siblings, Randolph Black, Thelma Black and Mae Black; children, Tim Smith, Johnny Smith, Tommy Smith, Carol Purvis; 2 grandchildren, Steve Smith and Rachel Smith.

He is survived by a daughter, Billie Joan Black; 10 grandchildren, John “JJ’ Purvis, Jr., Wendi Purvis Hudson, Clint Smith (Susan), Matt Smith (Jennifer), Timothy Michael Smith (Sedonia), Kimberly Reedy), Matthew Smith, Michelle, Melissa and Chris Myers; 17 great grandchildren, Nicole Purvis, Daigen Meek (Tori), Loren Waggoner, Macy Brooke Hudson Wade, Turner Smith, Henry Smith, Elle Smith, Jackson Smith and Madilyn, Lindsey Smith (Sam) Johnson, Annah Smith, Myka Smith, Kaiden Smith, Timothy Smith, Makayla Reedy, Matthias Reedy, Raivah Reedy; 2 great great grandchildren, J.P. Meek and Gracyn Meek and a host of friends.