Edred Black

Pastor Edred A. Black, 54, of 452 Southwest Cutoff, passed away Thursday, September 4th 2008 in the University of Massachusetts Hospital after a lengthy illness. Pastor Black is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Emma J. (Hubbard) Black; three sons Edred Buchanan-Black in Rhode Island, Nicholas Black and his wife Marian and Steven Black; a daughter, Stephanie Black all of Worcester; his mother, Pauline (Farmer) Henderson in Tallahassee, Florida; his grandmother, Emma Farmer in Florida; two sisters, Glynice Black of Washington DC and Starlye Black Norwood and her husband Donald in Florida; three grandchildren, Saja Buchanan-Black, Znaya and Zavian Black all of Worcester; Edred was born and raised in Florida. His father was the late Henry Black. Edred graduated from Havanna High School in Florida. He earned his Masters of Arts degree in Theology and his Doctorate in Theology from the College of North Carolina. Pastor Black was the founder and pastor of the Grace Christian Center on Russell St. formerly on Vernon St. since 1992. Edred was a lover of people and his ministry. He will be greatly missed by his church family. Edred loved to write and published several of his poems. He also loved the great outdoors, including hunting and fishing. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 12th at 11:00 a.m. in Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ, 63 Wellington St. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday, September 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pastor Edred Black Memorial Fund, care of BayState Savings Bank, 799 Grafton Street Worcester 01604. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. is honored to assist the family with arrangements.