Mary Osborn Black

Long-time Sunset Valley community rebel Mary Martha Osborn Black, age 83, passed away on Nov. 25, 2024, surrounded by family, friends and dogs after a tough fight with the evil Alzheimer's Disease.

Born on August 11, 1941, Mary was a dedicated advocate for women's equality and environmental conservation. She was a woman of strength, compassion, and charisma, touching lives through both her personal and professional endeavors. Throughout her life, she provided a welcoming haven in her home for those in need of support and acceptance.

She attended Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in Houston and Mary Washington College in Virginia. She began her adult life as the wife of jazz musician Jim Black, and was the owner of Fink Mink, a Dallas jazz club where first son Jimbeaux developed his ear for good music.

As a Real Estate Broker for over five decades, Mary co-owned Hilltop Realty with her wife, Patricia Murphy. She made lasting friendships with each client, emphasizing her belief in the value of community and personal connection. Mary was appointed to the TCAD Board of Directors and was part of the first Head Octopi leaders, a fundraising organization for Aids Services of Austin.

She was a maverick in her civic engagements, serving on the Sunset Valley City Council and community committees where she championed green space, trail building and environmental initiatives. She was a founding member of the Sunset Valley Organic Community Garden. She was a fervent advocate for women's rights, particularly sexual freedom, and served as the President of the Board of Directors for TARAL (now AVOW, Unapologetic Abortion Advocacy) . Her activism extended to wildlife and environmental protection, reflecting her deep commitment to making the world a better place.

Mary was known for her killer smile, baby blue eyes, dancing with all willing or unwilling partners, and the ability to light up any room. A woman of diverse interests, she enjoyed sailing, world travel, attending music festivals, and hosting epic parties and fundraisers, always surrounded by friends and loved ones. Her deep love for nature was evident in her regular visits to hot springs and her never-missed sunset viewings, often accompanied by a glass of her favorite cheap red wine. She found spiritual solace in sweat lodges and natural hot springs, which were integral to her life.

Mary is survived by her wife of 38 years, Patricia Murphy; son Jimbeaux Black III and wife Dr. Flora Krivak-Tetley, parents of Violet Mary Black; and Robert Black and wife Cherise Black, parents of grandchildren Amber Black and Skylar Black and doggies Sweet Pea and Willie Waggles Walker Murphy Black, tons of Murphy and Keepers family members and too many great friends to list. She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene Marie Osborn and Robert "Bob"Jones Osbourn Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, (Mary Black Friday) from 1 p.m. until sunset at her home, 15 Pillow Rd, Sunset Valley, Texas, 78745.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Giraffe Conservation Foundation and AVOW, Unapologetic Abortion Advocacy, in honor of Mary's commitment to both environmental conservation and women's rights.