Virginia Ellen (Sweet) Black, 84, of Lexington, Virginia, passed away Saturday, June 5, 2010 at the Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Born in 1925 in Rockbridge County, Virginia, she was a daughter of Lawrence John Rhodenizer and Mable Clara Robinson Rhodenizer.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Henry Black; six brothers and three sisters: Albert E. Rhodenizer, Harry F. Rhodenizer, Edna R. Turner, Alfred C. Rhodenizer, Mary Anna Davis, Lawrence J. Rhodenizer, Jr., John W. Rhodenizer, Elizabeth R. Davis and infant brother, Henry L. Rhodenizer.

She retired as a school food service supervisors for Lexington City Public Schools with 26 years of service.

She was a lifelong member of the Collierstown United Methodist Church, where she served as trustee and chairman of the Administrative Council. She was secretary/treasurer of the Collierstown United Methodist Women. In addition, she was the vice-president of the Effinger Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.

She is survived by one son, Lawrence R. Black and wife, Vickie; one daughter, Margaret R. Spencer and husband, Wayne of Lexington; five grandchildren: Mary Ellen Barger, Amy Ferguson, Travis Black, Matthew Spencer and Ashley Spencer; five great grandchildren: Kaitlyn Barger, Landon Barger, Joshua Ferguson, Wesley Ferguson, and Keagan Black. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by three brothers: Robert E. Rhodenizer and Herbert A. Rhodenizer of Lexington, and Clifford O. Rhodenizer of Appomattox.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Collierstown Presbyterian Church Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at the Collierstown United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the Effinger Volunteer Fire Department at the conclusion of the services. Services will be conducted by Pastor Doug Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Collierstown United Methodist Church and the Effinger Fire Department.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.