Mother Ellen Black

Mother Ellen Black was born in Dell, Arkansas on October 25th, 1951, to the union of the late David and Rosella Sanders. Ellen was a twin to the late Helen Sanders. Ellen accepted Christ at an early age. She met the love of her life on April 4th, 1984, the late Solomon Black. They married and upon their union she became the First Lady of Princess Chaplain Church in Luxora, Arkansas as well as Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Burdette, Arkansas. They relocated to Benton Harbor, MI in the summer of 1989 and joined the Sweet Home Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. H.C. Christian. After the passing of Rev. Christian, years later Ellen’s husband Solomon was installed as the Pastor. Ellen served faithfully as the First Lady of Sweet Home and on the Mother’s Board.  

Ellen enjoyed spending time with her family, singing, cooking, baking, watching television and shopping at her favorite store, “Walmart.” She loved wearing makeup, jewelry and being fashionably dressed. Her favorite saying was “I’m a Lady!” She was a creative designer who made her own jewelry adding her own personal “bling” to her hats, shoes, and purses. She would also use her creativity to ensure that her and her husband would have matching wardrobes when it was time to “step out” for an event.  

She was a beloved homemaker with excellent baking skills. She was famous for her delicious homemade caramel, lemon, german chocolate, jam, and tea cakes. She loved sweets and would often call upon her brothers David and Harry Sanders to always “get her what she wanted.”  

Ellen was a praying woman who would ensure that when she prayed everyone’s name would be called in prayer. She made sure to say out loud often, “LORD I THANK YOU!” She was a grandmother and mom to everyone even if you weren’t blood related. She made sure her home was a sanctuary for many families and friends, and she loved each of them as her own. 

Ellen Black leaves to cherish her memories: her daughters and sons-in-law Cynthia (Greg) Riddick, Kattie (Jamare) Razor and her son Tyron Black; her grandchildren: Veronica Sanders, Andrea (Brian) Dyson, Z’undre Franklin, Jamare Razor Jr. and Kaleb Razor; seven great grandchildren; two brothers Harry Sanders and David Sanders; her best friend Nelter Christian; her childhood friend WillieMae Harris; special sister in-laws Connie Sanders, Floyd Jean, Amy Sanders, and Emma King; special friends Dorothy Razor and Debra Pasha; special nieces and a nephew (who she helped raise) Erica, Tamika, Tiffany, Terrell Sanders; A special great-niece and nephew Demetrius and Kamaya; God children: Ruthie Atkins, Melissa Wanjala, Lesaline Wallace, Kim Sanders, Candy Sanders, Tikesha Gordon, Wendell Lampkin, Tamika Clark, Janet (Dawayne) Bonds. She also leaves a host of stepchildren. 

Ellen was proceeded in death by her parents, David and Rosella Sanders, Her husband Rev. Solomon Black. Her twin sister Helen Sanders. Her brothers Gene and Willie Earl Sanders. Her nephew David Lee Sanders Jr and James Sanders. and her mother in-law Ethel Sanders. 

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