Joe Neta Black

Joe Neta Black, 93, a devoted Baptist, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026.

Born December 5, 1932, in the Ewing Community of Coryell County, Texas, to Ernest Thomas Woodson and Nancy Ada Gates Woodson, she was the eighth of ten children and grew up in Gatesville, where she attended school. Known as a spirited tomboy among her brothers, she could always hold her own.

She married J.C. Tennison on July 7, 1950, and they welcomed their daughter, Diane, on May 11, 1951. After moving to Houston in 1961, she married Douglas Black on April 5, 1963, and they welcomed their son, Kenneth, on September 30, 1964.

A devoted mother, Joe Neta cherished her family. She also enjoyed dressing up in leopard print and high heels, working in her yard, shopping, dancing, listening to music, and dining at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Loveina, Pearl, Ernest Junior, Johnny, Nina, Marshal, Cecil, William Howard, and Kenneth; and her grandsons, Trey Thorp and Tyler Black.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane Thorp and husband Butch; her son, Kenneth Black and wife Claudia; her grandchildren, Jerry Wright and wife Tammy, Christi Smalley and husband Cory, Amy Arizpe and husband Tito, Skyler Black, and Amanda Black and husband David; her great-grandchildren, Kelsie Cosper, Payden Smalley, Lexie Smalley, Cadence Smalley, Ashten Ramos, Jordy Haigood, and Jace Wright; her great-great-grandchildren, Delanie Smalley, Stoney Cosper, Hayes and Hutton Haigood, Isaiah Thorp, Anthony Ramos, Brayson Ramos, and Micah Ramos; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Meadows, the physical therapy team, Coryell Memorial Hospital, and Drs. Chung, Bates, and Ellis for their compassionate care.

Joe Neta will be remembered for her strength, vibrant personality, and deep love for her family, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

There will not be a funeral service. The family will have a private memorial.

In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to Gatesville Trinity Baptist Church new building fund in her memory.

There’s a Reason

For every pain that we must bear, For every burden, every care, There’s a reason.

For every grief that bows the head, There’s a reason.

For every hurt, for every plight, For every lonely, pain-racked night, There’s a reason.

But if we trust in God, as we should,

It will work out for our good. He knows the reason.