Natalie Black, a sophomore track and field star at Belhaven University, passed away at 19, leaving her parents and loved ones devastated.
Natalie passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at her home in Terry, Mississippi.
According to reports, Natalie and her team traveled to Clinton to compete in their first outdoor meet of the season.
Black secured second place in the Triple Jump on March 1, 2025, at the MC Spring Cleaning with a mark of 11.01 meters.
Competing alongside teammate Jakia Joiner, who took first place, Black helped Belhaven University achieve a 1-2 finish in the event.
After the track meet, Natalie went home to spend time with her in Terry, Mississippi, but no one knew it would be her last day.
Her mother, Formeka Black Phillips, also mentioned that Natalie had set her best triple jump record and broken her personal best. The family was celebrating her victory before Natalie decided to take a nap on the couch and never woke up.
Formeka took to her social media to write that the Black family had an amazing last day with their beloved Natalie Black on Saturday. From morning till night, they had a fantastic day with her.
She further added, “Thank God, there was no suffering, he gave us that much grace!“
Similarly, the Black family appreciated the outpouring of support from loved ones as they grieve the loss of their beloved daughter, Natalie.
The post reads,
“There has been an overwhelming outpouring of support from so many people and I want to say a Big heartfelt THANK YOU to our big beautiful family, Great friends, Classmates (Lanier 833)…y’all had answers I didn’t know I needed!! Thank You to all of the coaches and professors at Terry High, MS Trackstars (Coach Allen) and Belhaven University, all of the Belhaven mothers who reached out and remembered us from move in day on that Hot summer day! Thank you to Natalie’s teammates and friends. I’m loving the pictures and videos!Natalie’s light Shines! She touched so Many people.”
Formeka Black
Natalie Black was known for her exceptional athletic skills and her cheerful, kind nature; she will always be remembered.
In addition to her mother, Formeka Black, Natalie Black is survived by her father, Toiwarn Black Sr., siblings, and the entire family.
The internet is filled with tributes for the late Belhaven University track and field star Natalie Black!
The entire Belhaven University and Terry, Mississippi, community is grieving the untimely loss of Natalie Black.
On March 7, 2025, Friday, Natalie’s close friends, teammates, and family held a candlelight vigil on the Belhaven track to ensure her light continued to shine bright.
Belhaven University expressed sorrow over the loss of track star Natalie Black and paid tribute to her on social media.
“We are Deeply Saddened By the Loss of Natalie Black. Natalie Was more than just a talented athlete, she was someone who Loved the Lord and everyone around her. She was a light to the XC&TF teams. She came out everyday ready for practice with a positive attitude and always ready to crack some jokes. She encouraged and uplifted those around her and was a walking Definition of what it truly means to “love your neighbor as yourself’”. She was what the world needed, she was what Belhaven needed.Our Deepest Sympathies Go out to the Family , friends and all who were Impacted by her Sweet and Kind Soul 🕊️🖤💛
Belhaven University
Many of her loved ones are sending heartfelt condolences to her parents and friends during this difficult time.
When it comes to her parents, very little information is available about her father, Toiwarn Black Sr., as he prefers to maintain a low profile; her mother, Formeka Phillips, runs her own jewelry business.
Formeka Black Phillips owns Favored Gems, an online handmade jewelry business.
Similarly, Formeka’s Facebook page displays that she graduated from Belhaven Universty and studied business marketing at Jackson State University. She also attended Lainer High School.
Since the day her daughter passed away, Formeka has been sharing several pictures of Natalie to pay tribute to her.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- A memorial service for the late Natalie Black will be held on March 15, 2025, at the Westhaven Funeral Home in Jackson, Mississippi.
- A Family Hour will take place on March 14, 2025, from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M.
- She was born Natalie Michelle Black on January 9, 2006, in Jackson, Mississippi.
