Cordie Black, 97

Cordie Black of Kalispell passed away Sept. 11, 2009. She was born in Gordo, Ala., on Sept. 18, 1911, to (the now late) Sarah Estes and Thomas Andy Green Dillard. Cordie moved to the Kalispell area in 2006 with her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter T. Black; and son, Tom Black.

Survivors include a daughter, Sarah Glascock, and grandson, Drew Glascock and Diane, of Whitefish; granddaughter, Dawn Glascock, of Opelika, Ala.; grandsons, Thomas Black Jr., and Michael Black, and granddaughters, Sharon Black Dicken and Sara Black Arsola, all of Maryland. Cordie also had several great-grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews.

Cordie was a loving mother, grandmother and faithful friend. She was an active member of South Highland Baptist Church of Bessemer, Ala., for over 50 years where she worked with the youth, was a longtime member of WMU and a special book club, The Mission Round Table.

She was an accomplished cook, known for her cakes, pastries and rolls. She often contributed recipes to the local newspapers. It was in this capacity that she was employed by The Bessemer Alabama Girls Club for 20 years. Affectionately known as "Mama Black," she taught cooking but also mentored young girls in grooming, table manners and proper etiquette. In 1984 she was honored by the state of Alabama with a Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions in Education Programs.

Cordie was an outstanding citizen and was honored as "Club Woman of the Year" in Bessemer. She served on the Board of Directors of the Bessemer Salvation Army for a number of years. She was on the Board of Directors of the Women's Club House, Bessemer, where she held the offices of president, secretary and project chairman. She was an active member of the Hueytown Alabama Hobby Club for over 40 years and held a district office in the Alabama Federation of Womens Clubs. She remained on the membership roll of the Hueytown Hobby Club as a lifetime member.

An avid bridge player, she was a charter member of the Tuesday Bridge Club.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. today, Sept. 13, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home In Kalispell. Burial will be in Birmingham, Ala.

You are invited to send condolences and sign Cordie's guest book at www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.