Dorris M. Black

Dorris McSpadden Black

89, a long-time resident of Prairie Grove, passed away September 6, 2007 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. She was born December 7, 1917 in Floydada, Texas, one of seven children born to Ida Berry and John Finis McSpadden.

Her husband of 66 years, cowboy artist Keith L. Black passed away last Christmas morning. She called him Black. He called her Kiddo. All her siblings also preceded her in death.

Survivors include two sons, Richard Black and wife Louise of Fayetteville, Russell Black and wife Brenda of Prairie Grove; three grandsons, Keith A. Black of Los Angeles, J. Stephen Black and Lana Lyon of Fayetteville, Jeffrey R. Black and Vale Sharp Black of Springdale; a step-granddaughter Cindy Whitehouse and husband Mitch of Prairie Grove; five great-grandchildren, Michael, Rebecca, Jasmine, Theodore, Jackson Black, and step-great-grandchildren Natalee and Ian Whitehouse. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Joyce Milam of Kingsland, Texas and many loving nieces and nephews.

Dorris Black had a rare zest for life. She was an extraordinary homemaker and a classic Southern cook, making everything from scratch. Her elaborate family dinners were meticulously executed, and long remembered as exquisitely delicious feasts. She was the definition of helpmeet, giving a lifetime of tireless support to her husband and her family. She went from homeroom mother to 4-H Club Leader to President of the Parent-Teacher Association in both Lincoln and Prairie Grove. She was a member of the Prairie Grove chapter of the Federation of Women’s Clubs, serving as its President and as a District Officer. She served over forty years in the Prairie Grove Battlefield Park Auxiliary, many of them as President, resigning just this past year as Treasurer. She made and wore several authentic old Southern dresses to participate in park events. Never idle, and always seeking to better herself, she learned embroidery, weaving and calligraphy. She was an avid reader and frequented the Prairie Grove Library. She was a lover of all animals, especially horses and cats. She was a collector of antiques.

Dorris was a faithful member of the Prairie Grove Church of Christ, and lived her beliefs. She loved people, and kept up with numerous friends and family over time, including a cadre of ‘phone friends’. She loved America, was very patriotic, and once served on a federal jury. She also loved Ireland, the country of her heritage, and celebrated her 80th birthday with a trip to Northern Ireland where she found and befriended Scotch-Irish McSpadden relatives.

She had sparkling blue eyes and an infectious smile. Her crackly childlike voice was accompanied by the Irish gift of gab. She loved to wear hats and dress elegantly, and always wore makeup. A beautiful woman and Southern lady, she was an unlikely yet perfect partner for the cowboy. Each maintained their uniqueness, and as a couple are legendary.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 4:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove.

Funeral service will be held Monday, September 10, 2007 - 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Prairie Grove with Bill Hooten officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Keith A. Black, Stephen Black, Jeffrey Black, Michael Black, Mitchell Whitehouse, Jim Sharp, Mike Fidler, Gerald Klingaman, and Phil Wade.