JoAnn Lesta Black, 76, of Enon passed away Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton with family by her side. She passed rapidly, but peacefully from breast cancer in remission that unexpectedly advanced into leptomeningeal disease.
JoAnn was born Oct. 13, 1945, in Mount Vernon, Ohio to the late Lester and Rosetta (Rathburn) Smith. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Robert "Bob" Black, and their three children: Lesley Black-Fontana of Enon, Darren (Jennifer) Black of Findlay, Ohio, and Cecilia Black of Seattle, Wash. JoAnn has a brother, Philip (Kim) Smith of Sunbury, OH, a niece and nephew, April and Tim Smith, and a grand-nephew, Eli Smith, who survive her, as well as many relatives and church and family friends.
JoAnn graduated as valedictorian from Highland High School in 1963 and in 1967 graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University. She retired from a long career with the Wright State University Athletics Department in 2016. She was a faithful Christian and an active member of First Covenant Baptist Church in Enon.
JoAnn was a caregiver to all who crossed her path. Many were blessed to receive her famous banana bread at Christmas or a care package of ranger cookies. She enjoyed spending the mornings in her backyard sanctuary, feeding the birds and squirrels, and walking the neighborhood. She prayed daily, enjoyed listening to Max Lucado sermons and watching British shows, and believed in helping those less fortunate. JoAnn rescued numerous stray animals during her life and advocated for family friends and relatives medically and personally when they needed it. She loved spoiling her large herd of animal children/grandchildren: Mabel Anne, Myrtle Jo, Mojo, Monkey, Piggy & Spicey, Annie Nicholas, several named chickens, and a duck.
The family of JoAnn Black wishes to thank the medical and support staff at Hospice of Dayton as well as the Oncology Team/Dr. Joseph Lavelle at Kettering Hospital in Troy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clark County SPCA or Hospice of Dayton. Per JoAnn's request, a private service for immediate family will be held by Adkins Funeral Home, Enon. JoAnn will be buried in Enon Cemetery.
