Leda Virginia Black, “Lydia”, 67, died Monday, February 21, 2022 in Morgantown, WV.

The Tampa native was born in Fort Benning, GA October 30, 1954 to proud parents Major Walter S. Black, Jr. and 1st Lt. Genevieve Hoe.

Lydia received her BA from the University of South Florida in 1976 and went on to receive her MA and PhD degrees from Regent University in Virginia.

Lydia had a restless spirit and spent several years traveling the world with the Christian ministry, Youth With A Mission. She returned to Tampa and worked as an elementary school guidance counselor. Lydia was a devout Christian and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior. In her spare time she liked to collect and sell antiques. She was an excellent dancer and dressed impeccably. Lydia was fiercely intelligent and gave 100% to every endeavor she chose to tackle.

Lydia is survived by her sisters Jacquelyn Black and Linda Ruggiero, and niece Genevieve Londono. We will remember the good times.

She spent several years in Youth With A Mission including serving the Lord in YWAM Singapore during it’s early pioneering stages.

I only knew Lydia for a brief time but was blessed by her deep love for the Lord, her gentle spirit and her unique and joyous laughter.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

Well done good and faithful servant