Darlene Frances "Tina" Black

Tina was born in Aldine, Texas, to Fred William Stash and Jessie Mae Murray Stash on August 20, 1959. Everyone asked why she went by Tina with her legal name being Darlene. The reason for this, is that her father wanted her named Darlene Frances, while her mother wanted her named Tina Marie. Fred may have won the legal name battle on paper, but from the day she was born, he ironically and lovingly referred to her as Tina Marie. Tina resided in Aldine, Texas, until the age of 19, where her parents owned a local convenience store by the name of Stash’s Drive-In. Having seven children, the store ended up being a hangout location for family and friends to socialize and play pool. Tina always spoke fondly of her childhood and the memories of her life in Aldine. Her family owned a lake house in Yaupon Cove in Onalaska, Texas, where they frequently visited. Onalaska is where she met and fell in love with Ricky Joe Black, Sr. At a young age, Tina’s parents visited South Padre Island/Port Isabel every summer where they stayed at the White Sands Motel. It was a cherished memory for Tina and she continued the tradition with her children and grandchildren. Each evening, they would fish from the dock, walk to the old cemetery, visit the lighthouse, and Tina’s very favorite - get ice cream from the nearby Dairy Queen. After Tina and Ricky married in 1979, they had three children. Tina’s children were her pride and joy. She attended every school function and made sure her children never did without. She had a way of making every occasion and holiday special. On Valentine’s Day, the children always came home to a bag full of candy and treats with a balloon attached. On Easter, each child got an Easter basket, no matter their age. And as long as you were a believer in Santa, he always delivered you a gift, again, no matter your age. Everyone knew that Tina loved her children, but most of all, everyone knew that Tina loved her grandchildren. Tina and Ricky were married for 41 years. The majority of their marriage was spent on Rocky Creek Road. They fulfilled a dream of building a home together and spent many happy years taking care of one another. Tina was the homemaker and Ricky provided for their family. The couple shared a love unlike most will know in a lifetime. After a long and trying battle with cancer, Tina passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on 09/30/2020. Although she was not ready to leave her family and friends behind, Tina found peace in her relationship with God, and the idea of rejoicing with her deceased loved ones. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, niece, daughter-in-law, second mother to many, dear friend and all-around good person. She was a fighter and battled her disease to the very end. She had a thirst for life and loved to travel, especially with family. Tina visited many places in her last five years, including Puerto Rico, Illinois, Indiana, California, Oregon, Washington, The Cayman Islands, Switzerland, Greece, and most recently, The Bahamas. She loved the beach and searching for shells along the shore. Those left to honor her memory are her husband, Ricky Joe Black, Sr.; sons Ricky Joe Black, Jr. and Hunter Ray Black; daughter, Julie Rachelle Black; granddaughter, Karli Rachelle Black; grandsons Ricky Joe “Trey” Black, III, and Drake Justin Bracewell; brothers, Clifton Eugene Stash, Jerome Monroe Stash, and James Edward Stash; sister, Susan Gale Stash Meanor; and numerous other relatives and friends. Tina was preceded in death by her parents Fred William and Jessie Mae Murray Stash; brother, Fred Wayne Stash; sister, Barbara Lynn Stash Gorski; fathers-in-law Morris Julian “Putt” Black and Vernon Harold Loftin; mother-in-law Ruby Jewel Ogden Loftin; sister-in-law, Relda Blythe Smith Black; and nephew, Justin Samuel Cobb. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, October 3.