Vonell Velma Reeves Black, 87, Odessa, TX, August 26, 2026.

Visitation Monday, August 31, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Gardens Funeral Home from 6 to 8 pm.

Funeral Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at First Assembly of God Church, 1101 N. Lee, Odessa, TX.

Burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.

Arrangements: Sunset Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.

Vonell was born at the family home in Grimes, OK, to A.J. and Velma Reeves on December 11, 1938. She attended the Berlin Schools through high school. She married the love of her life, Joe “Wayne” Black, in October 1956, at her home in Grimes, OK. They soon moved to Roswell, NM, and became active members of the Central Assembly of God church.

Judy was born soon after, followed by Steven. They bought their first house on Beloit and lived there until the spring of 1965, when they moved to Odessa, TX. Vonell worked nights for an answering service until she found a job at Barrett’s Automotive, where she met Paul Adams. He purchased Barrett’s and named it Adam’s Automotive, where she worked as bookkeeper and right-hand lady for years until her parents needed her. She then shared caring for her parents (along with Wayne) and her sister at their home on “the farm” until they moved them to Odessa, where she and her brother alternated caring for them in their homes until they were placed in a private care home. Vonell, along with her family, joined First Assembly of God church of Odessa and became active in worship and service. She and Wayne were always there visiting the hospital and homes of their many lifelong friends. They became God’s presence on Earth to many, supporting them emotionally and providing meals and other acts of kindness. If you were sick or otherwise in need, they were there. After her parents passed, she worked at ECISD as a teacher aide. Her favorite position there was as a facilitator for students taking Japanese as a second language, where, as usual, she developed special bonds with many of her students. When Wayne began to need her more, she resigned and became his full-time support and caregiver until his death. Her life was always in service to others in her Lord and Savior’s name.

Vonell was preceded in death by Joe “Wayne” Black, her parents, AJ and Velma Reeves, her sister Mayrene, her brother Gayle, and grandson baby Steven Glen. She is survived by her daughter Judy Price; son Steven and wife Debbie Black; and grandchildren Dawn and husband Justin, Anthony, Twila, Scott and wife Allie, and Sean. Great-grandchildren Camry, Kendal, Riverleigh, Rhodey, Saige, and Lilli; and one great-great-grandchild, Myla, as well as a great host of cousins, nieces and nephews, and treasured friends for whom she was eternally grateful for their kindness in these last years.

Pallbearers: Anthony Horne, Scott Black, Sean Black, Caleb Reeves, Landon Reeves, Christopher Navarrete.

Send memorials to First Assembly of God Church, 1101 N. Lee, Odessa, TX, 79761.

Sincere thanks to Dr. Chau Le, Michael Bartlett, Chaplain, and all the nurses and staff at Starr Hospice, and all the awesome staff at Odessa Focused Care, where she resided since April 2024.