Mother Elizabeth Black

Mother Elizabeth L. Black, 76, formerly known as Sr. M. Bernadette, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, (Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ). Mother Elizabeth was a Consecrated Virgin of the Association of Christ the King, who celebrated fifty years of Religious Life. Mother Elizabeth was born in Santa Anna, TX on December 21, 1949 to Dr. Axel Johannes Black and Elizabeth May Zelley. 

Rosary and a Prayer Vigil will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, 1200 S. Washington, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 6 pm. Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 2 pm at the church, with Father Lawrence John presiding. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery East, Garden of Resurrection. Funeral Services are provided by Schooler Funeral Home.

Mother Elizabeth received her B.A. from Eastern New Mexico University of Portales, and M. ED from Texas Tech University. She was a teacher and principal at St. John’s School, Borger, and St. Anthony’s School, Dalhart. Mother was the Regional Superior of the School Sisters of St. Francis, in Panhandle from 1992-2004 and, since its establishment in 2019, was the Moderator of the Assn. of Christ the King, Amarillo.

Mother Elizabeth was known for her deep spirituality, love for creation, compassion for the elderly, and her brilliant mind. Her soft-spoken ways won the hearts of all who knew her. A talented artist, Mother used her gift to paint beautiful scenery for school plays, portraits, and more recently, to paint materials used by the children in the atrium at St. Mary’s Cathedral School. Those close to her knew she had a great sense of humor. She lives in the memory of her students of long ago and was surprised with a gift of a guitar.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, John and Tommy Black.

Mother Elizabeth is survived by her brother, Nick Black, his wife, Jaton, and their son, Thomas Black of Amarillo; Karen Black and her sons, Chris Black and Chad Black; nephews Lance and Vance Tucker, and numerous other relatives.

Mother Elizabeth is also survived by the members of the Association of Christ the King, Mother Florence J. Jones, Mother Angela Marie Ricigliano, and Mother Rita Ann L’Esperance.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Mary’s Cathedral School, Amarillo.