Vonnie Susan Black

When Vonnie Susan Black began her life on this earth, on August 20, 1949, no one could have predicted the significant impact she would have on it. She came into the world with choice gifts, qualities and characteristics that would not only create a joyful journey for her, but would inspire and uplift countless numbers of people to find joy in their own journey. Through her exceptional example and influence she left this world a better place on February 6, 2014.
She was born to Myrtle Bernice Moriarity and James Howard Black, the first of three children, and sister to Dan Black and Connie Black. Perhaps the development of her greatest qualities, her strength, her ability to nurture, her compassion, and her deep spirituality, came from lessons taught by the unexpected and early death of her father at the young age of 6. She learned at a young age that life is full of ups and downs and she was always thankful for the lessons taught to her during the joy and the sorrow.
She experienced a joyful and happy life. One of the most joyful events was, without a doubt, marrying the love of her life, Craig T Call, of Las Vegas, NV. They met while he was serving as a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Pacific Northwest States Mission. They married in the Idaho Falls, Idaho temple on September 1, 1971, and started their new life together in Las Vegas, NV. She adored her husband and loved and cared for him unconditionally.
More joyous moments followed as they started a family one year later with the birth of the first of seven children. Vonnie was born to be a mother. She was blessed with an exceptional ability to nurture and provide for others. Her children consider themselves truly blessed to be on the receiving end of all her love and care. Her compassion and nurture also spilled over onto her grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Her face lit up and her smile shined bright whenever she was around them. They felt loved and adored by her and craved being in her presence. She was also a devoted and highly respected friend to many and found never ending joy and support in those relationships.
She loved her Father in Heaven and her Savior Jesus Christ with all her heart, might, mind and strength. She had a deep and abiding love for the Gospel and strove through every action, word and deed, to live it. Her testimony was unwavering and often expressed without hesitation. Because of her testimony and love for the Savior she experienced constant peace, solace, comfort, strength, courage, and love.
Vonnie relied on that constant peace and comfort as she experienced many trials throughout her life. She dealt with those trials in the most noble and courageous way. No matter how difficult or dark life became, she not only sought out and found the light, but then she spread it to everyone around her. No matter what, her life had a perpetual silver lining. Vonnie spent very much of her time counting her many blessings and often kept lists of the positive things that came out of every single situation. Without exception, she cheerfully endured every pain or struggle that came her way and often found insight, lessons, and blessings that no one else could see.
Vonnie was without a doubt one of the greatest teachers to ever live. She taught us not only through her words, but her actions, her example, her testimony, her compassion, her love. Her exceptional life taught everyone who knew her to look on the bright side, to count your blessings, to be compassionate, to nurture, to lift, and to look. No matter what, there is always a bright shining blessing in places where you least expect it.
Words can never express how much Vonnie is loved and how much our lives have been influenced for the better because we had the opportunity to live along side of her.