Edith A. Black

Edith Black died on June 30, 2019 in her home in Lawrence. Born in Lawrence on Bastille Day 1928, Edith was the daughter of William Edwin Elam and Edith Mae Tobler. She graduated from Lawrence Liberty Memorial High School (1946), the University of Kansas (1950) and earned a Masters in Public Administration from KU (1974).

She began her working life in high school, working at the family business, Independent Laundry. Edith worked at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare from 1970-1995, served on KU’s first Affirmative Action Board (’72-75), making recommendations for policies in response to the new Title IX legislation for women and was on the Lawrence Memorial Hospital board (’74-’81). Edith participated with her husband John Poertner in the Kansas Paraguay Partners and lived in Asuncion, Paraguay in 1991-92. Edith loved travel, art, music, good food, reading, and spending time with family. But Edith would say “enough about me.”

Edith is survived by John Poertner, four children from her marriage to James W. Black, Randy (Pam) Black of Denver, CO; Chris Black of Budapest, Hungary; Beth (Gail) Black of Albuquerque, NM; and Steve (Carolyn) Black of Colorado Springs, CO, Raun (Rick) Brobeck of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren Sarah Krump, Travis Black, and Travis Miller, and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and sister Barbara Leibengood O’Toole.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Spencer Museum of Art.

10 Condolences

  1. Phoebe Godwin on July 2, 2019 at 8:48 am

    Dear John, how sad I am for you that you have lost your dear Edith. What devotion you showed to her during good times and then the difficult times. Know that I care and please extend my symphaties to the children, especially Beth. With many fond memories I say goodbye to dear Edith. Phoebe Godwin



  2. Merrill and Boots on July 2, 2019 at 10:26 am

    John,

    It’s with sadness we hear of Edith’s death. We know how long she has been suffering and how much you have been caring for her. She contributed much to KPP and will be missed. Our condolences to you and to her family.

    Merrill & Boots



  3. Martha Rose on July 2, 2019 at 2:28 pm

    John and family,
    I appreciate knowing Edith. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority
    and served on the house board for many years where her business experience and loyalty were important to the group.
    Her friendship was important to all who knew her.



  4. Rosalee Neibarger on July 2, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    John,
    I am sorry to hear about Edith’s death, and so glad for the years you had together. Lots of memories of the long time that she was my supervisor and friend in the School of Social Welfare. My condolences to you and to her children.
    Rosalee



  5. Jaime Peña Gonzalez on July 3, 2019 at 5:46 am

    Dear John,

    My condolences to you and your children. I had the privilege to share many Paraguay – Kansas gathering at your home. In the name of the Paraguayan student community I want to thank you for all of you unconditional support given to us throughout the years! Edith and you are amazing people that changed the world. Thank you, and greeting from Asuncion, Paraguay.



  6. Barbara M Duke on July 5, 2019 at 9:22 am

    Dear John.
    Edith, a friend from days at Liberty Memorial High School, so few of us left. Sorry to say goodbye to her, My best wishes to you in this sad time,



  7. Mike and Barb Hartnett on July 7, 2019 at 5:16 pm

    John, Edith is at peace now. Thank you for all you did for her. There’s no greater example of real love.



  8. Jan Kraus on July 10, 2019 at 9:25 am

    John, I was so sorry to hear of Edith’s passing. I was just thinking the other day that I had not seen her for a while. You were so patient with her. I will miss her . My prayers and condolences to you and the family.
    Jan Kraus ( her hair dressed)



  9. Arlo & Kathryn Kasper on July 14, 2019 at 10:18 pm

    Though not often and rather brief meetings, Edith’s warm charm is a definite memory in our KPP experience. Peace to you in this difficult time.



  10. Deb Dvorak on August 4, 2019 at 4:03 pm

    Dear John….I just found out about Edith’s passing. I am sorry for your loss. I know you had many wonderful years together. May you find comfort in the love, companionship and adventures you shared. Love, Deb.



Leave a Condolence