Marie Black-Blanchard Nov. 23, 1942 - April 21, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Marie Black-Blanchard, 72, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Marie was born on November 23, 1942, in Scott, Mississippi, to the late Jack and Ruth Black. The family later moved to Greenville, Mississippi. She accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Irving at Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful servant. Marie attended Greenville Public Schools. Upon graduation she attended Mississippi Greenville Valley State in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and completed her post-graduate work at Indiana University, South Bend Campus. Marie began her teaching career in Glen Allen, Mississippi. In 1970 she relocated to South Bend where she worked as an elementary school teacher until she retired in 2003. During her career Marie received numerous accolades as an educator including being honored as Teacher of the Year at Marquette School. Passionate about her work, Marie was always searching for ways to challenge, motivate and encourage her students. She was highly respected by her peers. Marie leaves to mourn two grandsons, Zachary Paul Bivins Jr. of South Bend, Indiana, and Zion Paul Bivins of Commerce, Georgia; two sisters, Dorothy Black of South Bend, Indiana, and Geraldine (George) Gipson of Bellwood, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. She also leaves to mourn her very "special" family including Michael Blanchard (Tamera) and Corwin Bivins, both of South Bend, Indiana, Termaine, Kynard, Jeffrica, Cameron, Derrick, and Collin. Marie was blessed to have two very devoted friends, Karen Davis of Atlanta, Georgia and Brenda Rayburn of Granger, Indiana. Preceding her in death were parents, Jack and Ruth Black, son, Zachary Paul Bivens, Sr., and sister, Bernice Robinson. Arrangements were entrusted to Alford's Mortuary, Inc. Funeral services will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., with a one hour visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. at Pentecostal Cathedral, 1025 Western Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, burial immediately following at Highland Cemetery.