It is with profound sadness that we announce the heavenly transition of Gladys A Black, age 88, of Fairfield, Ohio, who entered eternal rest on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Fairfield, Ohio. She was born on Friday, March 11, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the proud parents of William and Lillian Bell.

Gladys was an only child and was the apple of both of her parents’ eyes. She attended Douglas Elementary and graduated from Hughes High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon graduation, Gladys went on to attend Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Education was paramount in the Bell family and she went on to further her studies where she earned her Master’s Degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was the first in her family to obtain a degree in higher education, an accomplishment that made her parents extremely proud.

Gladys was an exceptional athlete and was an outstanding basketball and softball player. She even played on some of her father’s softball and basketball mens’ teams. She even dared to dabble in fencing, which was truly uncommon for a woman of her time.

Gladys met and married Peyton James Black, who has preceded her in death. At the time of his death, they had been married for over 50 years. He was her life partner, her buddy, as she would sometimes affectionately call him.

An avid educator, Gladys’s career in Education began with Greenhills/Forest Park City Schools. She was a huge part of the merging of the district, where it became Winton Woods City Schools. Gladys began her journey as an English teacher and because of her fierce belief in her students and other teachers, felt that she wanted to reach further. Because of that belief, Gladys became Principal of Cameron Park Elementary School in the Winton Woods City Schools District. Here, she was the longest tenured Principal of 25 years. She went even further, ending her journey with Winton Woods City Schools where she became the Associate Director of Pupil Services , where she later retired in March 2004 after having given over 30 years of service to the district.

If Gladys was your friend, she was a friend for life. She was a protector, a motivator, a confidant. Gladys possessed a subtle patience, a warm smile and her kind way with words let you know that when you were in her presence that everything was going to be alright. Her allegiance was uncommon. Her love solid and true.

Gladys will most definitely be missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those whom she loved and who loved her.

Gladys leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters Troy(David) Keeling, Tammy J. Black and Tina D. Black whom she lovingly called her girls. Her grandchildren Brittanie(Matthew) and David II, her great granddaughter Gianna (GiGi). And a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

A poem that she wrote for her students and her teachers; provided just a small glimpse into her warm heart and her amazing mind:

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

1 PART LOVE

1 PART UNDERSTANDING

1 PART HOPE

1 PART DREAMS

ADD:

CARING PARENTS

CHILDREN THIRSTY FOR KNOWLEDGE

DEDICATED TEACHERS

MIX CAREFULLY

TOGETHER FOR SUCCESS!!!!!

Gladys A. Black

No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future when a service is scheduled.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Black family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Black family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.