Janice (Grubbs) Black

Janice Grubbs Black of Hilda, SC passed away on Monday April 6, 2026, in Greenville, SC. Janice was born July 13, 1939 in Barnwell County. She was the daughter of the late Lamar and Nell Bessinger Grubbs and the sister of Jack Grubbs of John Day, Oregon. Janice married Berry Patrick “Pat” Black on February 9, 1959. Together they had two daughters, Melanie Black Wessinger and Kim Black Taylor.

Janice was a deeply faithful person and embodied the words of Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” through her work, music, family, and enjoyment of life.

From 1970-1998, Janice served as secretary and bookkeeper at Jefferson Davis Academy. Not only was she integral to daily functioning of the school, she played a nurturing role in the education of the students.

From an early age, Janice demonstrated an aptitude and love for music, becoming a talented pianist with only 9 months of formal lessons. Through the years, she served as organist and pianist at Double Pond Baptist Church, Olar First Baptist Church, and Blackville Methodist Church. She graciously shared her musical gifts beyond her church to the wider community, playing at graduation ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and church association events.

Janice also fostered a love of music in others. She launched the youth choir program at Double Pond Baptist Church and many can testify to the positive impact this program had on their lives. Janice delighted in performing and making people laugh and bringing joy to their lives. Over the years, she and several others would perform “Hee Haw” and other variety skits at churches and town events. Simply put, she enjoyed having fun.

Her depth of character was witnessed through the years of her diligent, loving care that she provided for her husband, Pat, as he dealt with Parkinson’s Disease for over 35 years. She truly exemplified the teachings of Proverbs 31. Her children and grandchildren learned how to love unconditionally through her example.

Together with Pat, she enjoyed traveling to many places in and outside of the United States. She especially loved travelling to see her grandchildren as they grew up.

Janice also truly loved her family. She is survived by her brother Jack (Judy) Grubbs; children Melanie (Philip) Wessinger, Kim (Don) Taylor; grandchildren Zachary (Nicole) Taylor, Matthew (Grace) Wessinger, Kyle (Justine) Taylor, Meredith (Michael S.) Campanella, Michael (Meredith H.) Taylor, David Taylor; great grandchildren Zander Taylor, Zayden Taylor, Henry Taylor, Brooks Campanella, Owen Campanella, Benjamin Wessinger; and many nieces and nephews.

Melanie and Kim are truly grateful to their mom’s caregivers in the last years of her life - Faye, Laura, Ebony, Ginger, Kristen, Lubby, and Patricia. They surrounded Janice with unconditional love, care, respect and dignity.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday April 11, 2026 at Double Pond Baptist Church in Blackville, SC with Dr. Andy Sandifer officiating. Burial to follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Double Pond Baptist Church, 357 Double Pond Rd, Blackville, SC 29817. Honored to serve as pallbearers are her grandchildren.

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