Anita Lee Black

Anita Lee Black entered into rest Friday evening, July 29th, 2022, surrounded by her beloved family, she was 73 years old. She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Black, and their two daughters, Jennifer Black Blair (Danny), Elizabeth Black (Donna), her two grandsons Brennan and Charlie Blair, and her beloved third child, Jax, the 145lb chocolate lab.

Anita was born January 8th, 1949 in Augusta Ga at University Hospital to William T. Lee Sr and Thelma Cook Lee. Anita has two surviving brothers whom she loved fiercely, William T. Lee Jr. (Dean), and Andrew A. Lee (Seleta). Anita quickly adopted Dean and Seleta as her own sisters as she was the only girl in a long line of brothers and male cousins. At age 2, she moved with her family to Camak, Ga where her father worked for the railroad and was mayor of the small town for some time. At age 5 her family moved one last time to Woodville, Ga before their final move to Savannah Ga in 1958 where she attended public schools and graduated from Savannah High School in 1967. After high school, Anita returned to Augusta to pursue her lifelong career as a nurse and entered the Medical College of Georgia’s Nursing program, graduating in 1971. During that time, Anita was diagnosed with Cushing Disease at the age of 20, followed by a full adrenalectomy. She would go on to surpass her initial prognosis by more than 40 years, demonstrating her fighting spirit and bravery unlike any other.

During her first few years working bedside nursing at MCG, Anita would meet the love of her life, Charles Black. He worked in Biomedical Engineering and the two would marry only 10 months after the start of their courtship. They celebrate 46 devoted years this September 25th. They were active in their community together with the Martinez Evans Jaycees and founded lifelong friendships through it. They kept their children active as well, teaching them the importance of giving back the blessings they receive. Anita’s recurrent message was one of unconditional love and kindness. She lived by this with an unwavering ferocity.

After receiving her Masters in Health Services Administration from The Medical University of South Carolina, Anita would go on to be a leader in the field of nursing, from Nurse Manager to Nurse House Supervisor and eventually making her way to the Nursing Director of Critical Care and Emergency Services at MCG. In 2002, Anita earned the E. Louise Grant award for her career achievements in the field. Her candor and professionalism led MCG to become a leader in the CSRA for trauma and emergency services. She also contributed to the creation of policy to advocate, rehabilitate, and reintroduce nurses back into the workplace after treatment for addiction.

After retiring from 30 years of service at MCG, Anita went on to be a Nurse Consultant for a local law firm for the last 10 years of her nursing career. She was grateful for the opportunity to expand her horizons and aid in the protection of patient and medical worker rights alike.

During her years of retirement at home, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandsons being the “Mimi”. She enjoyed traveling to Amelia Island every summer with her family and scanning the shores for shark teeth and unusual shells. Anita was an avid reader and learner, she was never seen without her Nook with a copy of a Harry Potter story or a Koontz thriller. She loved to bake and cook with an artful flair that was loved by all who sat at her table. There was not much that she was unable to master, from cake decorating and other arts and crafts to playing video games with her grandsons.

There will be a memorial service held at First Baptist Church of Augusta in their Storey chapel on September 10th. The family will receive friends at 10 AM, followed by a service at 11 with a luncheon to follow in their reception hall. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks for Donations that can be made in memory of Anita Black to the MCG Nursing Class of 1971 Scholarship Endowment at Augusta University – Fund Number 396051 (Checks made payable to Augusta University Foundation with fund number 396051 in the memo line).

Special thanks to SouthEast Hospice for the guidance and Melanie Nestell who held us up when we needed it the most.

Mail contributions to:
Augusta University Foundation
Attn: Sarah Akins
1120 15th Street
AD 1104
Augusta, GA 30912