Maryann Black, NC State Representative & Former Durham Co. Commissioner,  Dies

Durham, NC – North Carolina Rep. MaryAnn Black, who prominently served in the Durham community died at the age of 76 on Thursday (March 26).

Earlier in the day, Black’s family announced her passing.

During her time, Black represented the 29th District of Durham County since 2017. Black also served as a Durham County commissioner from 1990 to 2002.

Black also was the Associate Vice President for community relations for the Duke University Health System.

Black had been undergoing treatment for cancer, Indy Week reported Thursday.

She was a clinical social worker for more than 30 years, and in 1994 was named “Social Worker of the Year” by the National Association of Social Workers, according to her biography for Duke Health, where she worked in recent years as associate vice president for community relations.

Maryann Black was, at one point, president of the Durham Downtown Rotary, and in 2006 was the first female chair of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce.

“With over 30 years of service prior to her political career, MaryAnn’s soul of a social worker poured out into everything she touched,” said Congressman G. K. Butterfield. “This is a great loss for the city of Durham, the state of North Carolina and all those who have benefitted from her passion and compassion. Her work and presence will be deeply missed and always remembered.”