Malden’s Frances Black celebrates birthday

MALDEN - Nearly 50 people were on hand Saturday to celebrate Malden’s Frances Jane Black’s 94th birthday.

The event reunited friends and family, some from as far away as Texas, to the Malden Country Club where they enjoyed a buffet of succulent chicken wings, assorted fresh vegetables, salads and sweet desserts presented by Miss Linda’s staff, and of course, birthday cake.

In attendance to honor Mrs. Black were her son, David Black and wife, Geraldine, Kyle Black, Cassandra Black, Shawn Henry, Jason Black, Gabriel Black, Jackson Black, Maxwell Black, Thomas Black, Edmund Black, James Black, Keith Goza, and Gary Goza, along with many friends.

Frances Jane Black, was born August 22, 1928 at 507 S. Madison Street, Malden, the daughter of Ross and Florence Riggs. The Riggs family owned Riggs Hardware on the corner of Malden’s Main and Beckwith Streets, in addition to Riggs Grocery at downtown Malden on Madison Street. A Malden High School Class of 1946 graduate, Frances married Allen Black, editor and publisher of the Malden Press-Merit.

Frances is a member of Malden United Methodist Church. She loved to play golf and has local golf trophies and memories. She fondly remembers her days on the Malden Country Club and area courses in southeast Missouri.

Frances is still active with weekly light exercise class three days a week and attends church and enjoys reading.