Helen J. (Priester) Black

Helen J. (Priester) Black, 91, of Ford City, died Sunday, August 17, 2025, at The Ridge at Heritage Meadows.

Born August 6, 1934, in Ford City, she was a daughter of the late Clyde and Theresa (Lux) Priester.

She was a 1952 graduate of Ford City High School, and was a cheerleader for four years.  She retired from PPG Industries in 1984 after 33 years of service as a secretary.

Mrs. Black was a member of the former First United Presbyterian Church (now First Church of Ford City), where she was an elder and taught Sunday school.  She was a volunteer for both ACMH and Orphans of the Storm.  She was also the block volunteer for collecting for the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association.  She helped with keeping our area beautiful by collecting debris from her home along the highway to the Graff Bridge.

She enjoyed working in her home, gardening, and raising her flowers.  She loved her cat “Honey” (her best buddy), and watching the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins games.

She is survived by her niece, Amy (Mike) Fletcher of Valencia, and her nephew, William (Diane) Whittaker of West Kittanning, along with her friend, Elaine Wolfe.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Thomas Black, and two sisters, Viola Goodbread and Doris Whittaker.

At Mrs. Black’s request, viewing and services will be held privately.  Interment will follow in Lawn Haven Burial Estates.  Anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory may do so to Orphans of the Storm.  Arrangements are in the care of Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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