It is with great sadness that the family of Janie Elizabeth "Dorothy" Black, affectionately known as MawMaw, peacefully left this life on July 24, 2024, just short of her 90th birthday. A devout woman, who loved her family dearly, Janie will be missed by the family that she has nurtured and cared for all her life.

On August 23, 1934, she was born on Hurricane Ridge to her parents Oakey Bowes and Ruby Hypes Bowes Cole, who predeceased her.  She grew up along with her six siblings, Randolph Bowes (Mickey), Billy Bowes (Darlene), Treva Harman (Jimmy), Hayes Bowes (Gertrude), Geraldine Johnston (Johnny), Joe Cole (Esther) in an impoverished home, but her family made sure that she was surrounded with the riches of faith, love and family as she grew into a young woman.  This experience made her strong, sometimes fierce and determined to give her family a better life.

She eventually met and married Howard Lee "Pop" Black, and had four children, Eddie Black, who died as a child, Rhonda Reed (Wayne), Rose Dally (Joe), and Penny Prudich (Greg). Even while working as a nurse's aide, she was devoted to her children and extended family, keeping a warm, open home, cooking great meals, and making it a welcome place for all.  She was strong, determined, and devoted to her family, and taught them the values of love, care and grace.

After 51 years of marriage, she lost Howard, but was determined to continue her life of faith, family and care for her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her grandchildren are Thomas Lee Stanger, who predeceased her, Patrick Stanger, Shannon Christian (Clinton), Justin Prudich (Vanessa), Joshua Prudich (Rachel), Janie Dinnis (Richard), and Jenna Prudich.  Her great grandchildren are Jayda Stanger, Brianna Stanger, Gray Prudich, Ruby Dinnis, Hazel Dinnis, Lila Prudich and little boy Prudich on the way.  MawMaw loved her family deeply, dearly and cherished every moment she shared with them. She carried each of them always in her heart.

The family wants to thank niece, special friend and caregiver Dana Bowes for her devotion and friendship to MawMaw, especially in her time of need.

Janie was a Christian who believed devoutly, and she shared it with others through both words and deeds, embodying the teachings of Christ in her life.  Her family is deeply grateful for the wisdom, love, and faith she shared. Her life was a testament to the enduring power of faith, family and love and her memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her.

A celebration of Janie's life will be held on July 31, 2024 at 1:00PM at Memorial Funeral Directory, with Kenny Jarvis officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at noon.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the service can be streamed at www.memorialfd.com. Carrying Janie to her final resting place will be Patrick Stanger, Greg Prudich, Justin Prudich, Joshua Prudich, Aaron Bowes, and Richard Dinnis.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Angels Foundation at HospiceAngels.org in Janie's honor.

We take solace in knowing that MawMaw is now in the presence of the Lord, embraced by eternal peace. Though absent from us, her memory will forever live on in our hearts, and her faith will continue to guide us in the days ahead. MawMaw's journey was a blessing, and she will be dearly missed as she slips the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.