Ann D. Homer Black

Ann D. Homer Black, 94, died peacefully at La Posada on October 21, 2012. Born in New Salem, Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1918, she graduated from Uniontown High School, and, later, from Uniontown Office Training School. During WWII, Ann spent two and a half years working for the War Manpower Commission in the Panama Canal Zone as a supervisor in the Grounded Planes Division of the Panama air Depot where she met Lt. Kenneth Black, a fighter pilot instructor for the Army Air Corps. Ann was chosen by her colleagues to represent North American women working in the Canal Zone on a float in a parade to celebrate the end of WWII. In late spring 1946, Ken and Ann returned to his native Ohio where they were wed in Ashland, OH, on June 23, 1946. The couple then moved to Doylestown, OH, where Ken began his career as a high school teacher and coach. Both Ann and Ken loved dancing to the big band sounds of their era. Later when duty called for them to supervise at the high school dances, Ken and Ann would often find themselves dancing alone surrounded by awed students who preferred watching them dance! After their only child, Cheryl Ann, entered kindergarten, Ann worked as a secretary to the Doylestown superintendent of schools, for nine years. Having earned her B. S. Degree cum laude from the University of Akron in 1966, Ann taught fourth grade in Doylestown until her retirement in 1981. Among other awards, she was selected as a Jennings Scholar for excellence in education. She was often honored later at various class reunions as "favorite teacher" and many more former students kept in touch with her as adults, crediting her for their chosen professions and success in life. A Doyolestown resident from 1946 until March 2009, Ann was ever active in the community at large. She served through the years in a host of local and county civic organizations. A dedicated member of the Doylestown United Methodist Church, she served in many capacities from Sunday school teacher and camp counselor to member committee and chairperson for church circles, women's administrative board, pastor-parish relations committee₦and more. Ann also participated as a member and officer in many civic clubs and community organizations as well as the Wayne County Teachers Assoc. She was also a longtime member and past president of the Alpha Theta chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society and active in two local golf leagues. She enjoyed many travels throughout the United States, Panama, England, and Europe. After having enjoyed many winter stays in Las Cruces, Ann relocated to Hallmark at the Village of Northrise in March 2009 and continued to stay busy. Always an active correspondent, she enjoyed sending birthday cards to every resident of Hallmark for more than two years. Ann was welcomed at Cottonbloom Adult Living Center during the last month of her life where she enjoyed walking and playing dominoes with her new friends. Even at the age of 94, Ann prided herself in her determination to walk a mile each day. She credited a life-long love of the outdoors and walking as one of the secrets to her good health. A devoted wife to Ken and mother to Cherie, she brought much love and happiness to the world. Her apple pies were the talk of the town! Ann's kindness, positive nature, and generosity of spirit endeared her to everyone who knew her throughout her long life. Her sharp sense of humor, often punctuated by spontaneous puns, will be fondly remembered. For example, because Ann's hair retained its light brown color with very little grey, she often referred to herself as