There are several reasons why customers have poured into Black’s Fabric and Department Store for their shopping needs over the last several decades.
The Fifteenth Street business is considered a town favorite. The perfect gift can be found when looking for ways to celebrate a new engagement, the arrival of a new baby or a personal treat.
It always seems as if something special is happening within the walls of Black’s on Fifteenth.
But for most customers and visitors, it was the longtime owner, Mrs. Frances Pierce, that kept them coming back.
We join the community in mourning the passing of a beloved businesswoman and the sweet, loving nature that was Mrs. Frances.
Not only was Mrs. Frances behind providing exceptional and unique gifts to the local community, but she offered something else that was priceless...compassion and kindness. Customers felt like family when entering the store, all thanks to the attention and love that Mrs. Frances showed to all who walked within her family business.
On a personal note, the editor of this newspaper can attest to the loving spirit of Mrs. Frances. In the hopes of sewing a skirt, Mrs. Frances spent an entire afternoon to pick out the perfect fabric, offer advice and even shared encouragement. And when the story was shared that the sewing project turned into a complete failure, Mrs. Frances merely smiled.
“Don’t be discouraged,” Mrs. Frances said. “It takes time, but I know I will see you in church one day with your new skirt.”
Those kind words of support and encouragement embodied the very nature of Mrs. Frances. Owning and operating a business can, of course, be considered a vocation centered on commerce. But the beloved store owner provided more than just gifts to the local community. She provided an inspiration of what it meant to be a loving, Christian lady. And she did it with a level of class credited to what it truly means to be a Southern lady.
And although the shelves will continued to be stocked at Black’s and the doors will welcome its constant stream of customers, the presence of Mrs. Frances will still be felt within its walls.
The love and kindness she provided to Yazoo is the best gift that could ever be acquired.
