Sally Black

Sally Ann Nelson Black passed away on August 22, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sally was born on June 22, 1932 in Jamestown to Carl W. and Viola Vanstrom Nelson. She was a proud graduate of Jamestown High School, Class of 1950, and the initial graduating class of Jamestown Community College in 1952.

She continued her education, obtaining a BS in Nursing from Columbia University in New York, which provided the foundation for lifelong commitment to the field of health care. Her roles as a faculty member and later director of the Jamestown School of Practical Nursing helped many aspiring providers begin their careers in this important field. After completing a Master's in Health Administration from the University of Cincinnati, Sally was the Director of Nursing at the Jamestown General Hospital and later as Director of Staff Development at the WCA Hospital.

Her dedication to nursing and public health was reflected in her membership and participation in numerous professional organizations, including the American Organization of Nurse Executives, National Nurse Staff Development Organization, and the New York State Practical Nurse Educators Association. After her retirement she continued to contribute to local health care through her involvement with the American Red Cross, the Chautauqua County Health Network, and as chair of the Children's Health Care Initiative and Citizens Advisory Board.

Her most important role came as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her three children, G. Timothy (Deborah), Robert, and Carolyn Lewis (James); two granddaughters, Jennifer (Mark) Kendall and Claire (Michael) Black. In her final days she was able to meet and welcome into her family a great granddaughter, Hannah Lee Kendall. She is also survived by her loving sister, Marie Maxwell.

Sally was married to Gordon W. Black for fifty-nine years before his passing in 2017. She was also predeceased by her parents, sisters Helen, June, and Glenace, her first husband C. Thomas Gregg, along with an infant daughter.

A celebration of Sally's life is planned for the Spring of 2026 with arrangements through the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to the Carl and Viola V. Nelson Scholarship Fund through the Chautauqua Regional Foundation, or the Falconer or Prendergast Libraries.