Virginia (Nielson) Black

The extraordinary Virginia Nielson Black of Salt Lake City, Utah, returned to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, October 29, 2024. Without a doubt, she is joyfully reuniting with the loved ones who went before her.

No tribute could truly capture Virginia’s essence, but we will do our best to honor the remarkable woman she was – a monumental and humbling task. Those fortunate enough to know and be loved by Virginia understand this deeply.

Virginia was born in Monticello, Utah, in 1933 to Joseph Leroy Nielson and Marian Gardner Nielson. The third of seven children, Virginia was the beloved sister among three girls and four boys, and she was a rock of strength and love throughout her siblings’ lives.

Virginia’s life was rich, accomplished, and filled with purpose. She attended Brigham Young University, married the love of her life, Kent Black, and together they raised four wonderful children. She and Kent later served two missions, an extended mission to Germany and one to the South Salt Lake area. Virginia volunteered at the Joseph Smith Center, fulfilled countless church callings, and traveled extensively. Her cherished upbringing in Blanding, Utah, was a grounding force throughout her life. Growing up in a town near the Four Corners, Virginia roamed the landscapes like the cattle her father managed. She had a particular fondness for the mountains, especially the Bears Ears, where family memories were made. Virginia loved the family cabin, pinecone baseball, spotting wildlife, wildflowers, and the mystical beauty of the Four Corners area.

A fierce competitor on the tennis court, Virginia was also known far and wide for her card-playing skills, especially her favorite game, Screwy Louie. Her home was the gathering place for family events, reunions, and parties. As one beloved granddaughter put it, there was always room at her table for everyone. Virginia possessed a wicked sense of humor, a gift for writing, and a loyalty to family that was unwavering. She took great pride in her pioneer heritage and cherished her family’s legacy.

Over her lifetime, Virginia faced profound loss and significant trials, including the passing of her husband and both of her sons, as well as a battle with breast cancer that spanned many years. Yet she met each of life’s challenges with her signature strength, grace, and a quiet stoicism, always putting her family’s needs before her own. In every way, she embodied her great-grandfather Jens Nielson’s mantra of “Stickety-Ta-Tudy,” exemplifying resilience in the face of every trial. Virginia leaned on her Savior through life’s triumphs and tragedies, modeling her life after His example.

Above all, Virginia’s greatest pride was her family. She delighted in her four children, her nine grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, each of whom was a source of joy. She deeply loved her siblings and remained close to them throughout her life, treating their children, her nieces and nephews, as if they were her own.

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, Kent Black, and her sons, Joseph and Andrew Black. She is survived by her daughters, Julie Black Monson and Jane Black Gill, as well as her grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, who carry forward her love and legacy.

 A viewing and gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, between the hours of 11:00 am and 1:00 pm at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, SLC, Utah, followed by a Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024, beginning at 1:30 p.m., at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, Utah 84117.

May we all strive to live as Virginia lived—giving more than she took, cultivating unconditional love, laughter, and acceptance, and making everyone feel like family. Virginia gave her all in this life, and she will continue to do so in the next. To our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, we say, “Until we meet again.”