Fern Sewell Black's Obituary
Fern Lois Sewell Black (Loli) entered into the presence of her Savior on Friday, October 27, 2023. The second daughter of Ruth M. and Harry J. Sewell, she was born on February 6, 1930, in Minneapolis, MN, where she lived for 35 years before moving to St. Louis in 1965 for the remainder of her life.
Beginning as a young teenager, Fern served for 10 years as organist in several Minneapolis churches, transitioning to her first Organist/Choir Director position in 1954. She completed her formal employment as an organist in 2018, retiring from St. Paul's E. Free in Olivette at the age of 88. In her 40's, she earned her B.A. in Music at Washington University with honors. She was active in the American Guild of Organists for 75 years, and MuPhi Music Fraternity for 55 years.
Fern is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Albert Woodson Black, III; her brother Fred Sewell (Gloria); brother-in-law Mike Black (Rita); four children and their spouses: Paul (Marty), Scott (Krystyna), Betsy (James Stull), and Mike (Sally); ten grandchildren and their spouses: Erin, Sam, Becky, Nina, Micah (Jackie), Johanna, Myra, Reid, Josiah (Faith), and Caleb; one great-grandson, Jude, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Fern's passions throughout her long life were family (including a long succession of family dogs), music, and hospitality. She lived out her faith through her music and in acts of love and service to others. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were an extremely important part of her life. She was their greatest fan. She also excelled in baking, making homemade bread, rolls, and desserts throughout the years. She prepared weekly Sunday dinners (after playing one or two services) to keep the family together as they grew, and was known to invite her entire choir or music fraternity for a feast, which often included a rehearsal or concert following. For decades she welcomed family, friends, and strangers overnight, and, on multiple occasions, for months at a time when there was a need. Her home was full of music, thoughtful conversation, and an abundance of delicious food for all, including her famous chocolate chip cookies.
SERVICE: Saturday, November 11, 2023, visitation will be held at 10:00 am, with an 11:00 a.m. memorial service and luncheon following, at St. Paul's Evangelical Church, 9801 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141.
Fern was a life-long supporter of many ministries. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to ministries that were of special interest to her in recent years, including FEBC (Far East Broadcasting), FirstLight (local ministry restoring those impacted by sexual addiction), Millennium Relief and Development Services (https://mrds.org/donate/TerraCareDLJ - clean water to the rural poor in Laos), Wycliffe Bible Translators, and The Voice of the Martyrs (supporting persecuted Christians around the globe.)
Services provided by Hughes Funeral Alternatives, LLC in St. Louis, Missouri.
Family and friends can sign a online guestbook at www.HughesFuneralAlternatives.com.
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