George A. Black

.George Artric Black, Sr. transitioned peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
George was born to Lena Jones Black (1896-1970) and John L. Black, Sr (1894-1942) at their home in Blackstone, VA on January 23, 1934. He was the youngest of twelve siblings who also preceded him in death: (1) Andrew, (2) William "Harry", (3) Alice "Sister", (4) Betty, (5) Inell, (6) Harold "Lil Brother", (7) John, (8) Paul "Tee", (9) Lena "Dobbie", (10) Rosa, and (11) Willie "Buster."
George was educated in the Nottoway County School system and graduated from Luther H. Foster High School in 1952. He was an avid athlete, exceling in both football and basketball. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army and served during the Korean War.
He was baptized at an early age at Shiloh Baptist Church in Blackstone, VA where he remained a lifetime member. He served on the Men's Day Committee and was the church sexton for many years.
He attended Southside Skill Center in Crewe, VA where he studied nursing and carpentry. He went on to become a master carpenter. He lent his carpentry skills to help build the Civic League building in Nottoway County as well as worked at a furniture manufacturing company in Kenbridge, VA. He also worked as a pharmacy technician at Central State Hospital. He was later employed at Fort Pickett, VA and ultimately retired from Fort Lee, VA.
In 2024, the Town of Blackstone presented him with the "Blackstone Black History Hero Award'' for his many years of dedicated community service. He was praised for his community involvement – much of it during a time when Blackstone struggled with integration. He was instrumental in establishing the Blackstone Community Little League which gave African-American Youth access to sports. He was a Cub Scout Master and Boy Scout Master for many years.
He also formed and coached the well-known "Mean Machine" women's softball team that went on to win all but one game during their entire reign in the 1970's. Many of them became his "adopted" daughters and those relationships remained solid until his death.
George enjoyed spending time with his family whether it was just sitting on the porch sharing his knowledge or attending family events. He just had to "stay busy" – whether it was traveling or working in the yard. During his later years, he enjoyed watching old western movies.
George married Vergie Edmonds on December 24,1957. To this union, three children were born: George, Jr., Sharry & Shacanna. The couple also raised and claimed several nieces and nephews as their own: Kenneth, Juanita and Victor.
George is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years Vergie Black. Children: George, Jr, and his children: Dominic Hurt and Isiah Garland. Sharry B. Goode (Ernest Smith) and her children: Domonique Goode (Lakesha) and their children Shania and Devin. Jamar Goode and his children: Arryanna, Ja'Niyah, JahZir, Messiah, Cadence and Dream. Shacanna B. Garcia and her children: Simone and Sasha. Kenneth (Karen) and their children: Keith and Kenneth, Jr "KB" and his children NiKenya and Kallana. Victor and his daughter Danielle. Juanita and her children: Diontae, Chris and his children Ariyah, Monja, and Tyron and Andre and his children Amirra and Ashlynn. Grand total: 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Goddaughters Diundra Fowlkes and Kendra Anderson and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
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