"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Rest in peace dear daughter,sister, mother, wife, auntie, trailblazer, motivator, mentor! No more pain, no more suffering, you fought harder than anyone could have ever imagined. You won the race, now receive your reward!

Phillizeta "Devora" Ascott Black, 53, passed away peacefully Thursday morning August 18, 2022 at the Kate B Reynolds Hospice Home in WS, NC.

Born July 2, 1969 in Winston-Salem, NC, she was the oldest child to Frank Barrington Ascott & the late Mary Lillian Richardson. Devora attended & graduated from East Forsyth High School-Kernersville, NC in 1987 along with attending NCCU & Salem College.

Who is Devora Ascott Black? Her smile lit the room. Her confidence and energy were contagious. A woman of deep faith, Devora touched every person she encountered. She was a devoted mother, wife, sister, daughter, and a tireless civic leader. Devora credited her mother with her tenacious spirit and fearless approach to life.

She was known for her infectious leadership spirit and genuine care for the whole person; these characteristics are the hallmark of her interactions in life and business. Devora started her first insurance agency in the early '90s after learning the business from her father. She eventually took a hiatus from the insurance world to follow her dream of becoming an artist. She became nationally known and recognized for her art, marketing, and design talents eventually launching her second company, Devora Designs Brands.

She later opened PaperSassy Fine Stationery & Gifts in Kernersville, NC. With her whimsical and colorful designs, Devora won numerous design commissions; she was chosen to create a signature graphic invitation for the launching of the Carlos Santana shoe line at Sassy Steps in Chicago, Illinois. Her designs are featured on Kayser-Roth underwear and a pajama line for Hue.

Devora received numerous awards including Best New Product in Lifestyle at the 2011 National Stationery Show for her technology design company, Got Skins?, Inc., featured on the Today Show on NBC.

After several years of successful business in design and marketing, Devora came full circle. She returned to the family business to join her sister, Heather Ascott-King, and father, Frank Ascott, to help grow their insurance agency at ISAA Insurance & Financial Services. True to her tireless work ethic and pioneering mindset, Devora was recognized as the first African American female to receive VIP of the Year in sales for Ohio National Life Insurance Company.

Women have been the focus of Devora's work for over 30 years; from mentoring and ministering to helping start and grow women-owned businesses. She served on the board of The Triad Dream Center, where she worked to help provide resources to low-income members of her community.

After her cancer diagnosis, Devora found a new passion in advocating for African American women's participation in clinical trials for breast cancer. She was a spokesperson for The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network of North Carolina advocating for health equity in clinical trials on behalf of the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Devora served on the Wake Forest Patient Advisory Council and spent much of her time teaching her community about wealth and retirement.

Devora was a devoted member of Eastside Church of Christ in Winston-Salem for over 20 years. Later she attended Agape Faith Church in Clemmons, NC and Greater Commission Community Church in Winston-Salem, NC. She enjoyed art, music, reading and spending time with her family. Prior to her passing, Devora was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild due in the fall.

She and her first husband, Sherman Transou had one son, Riccardo Barrington Transou (Deja) of Dallas, Texas. Devora and her husband Michael P. Black Sr. shared his three children, Courtney Dolby (Jaren) of Charlotte, NC, Michelle Black of California, and Michael P. Black, Jr. of Winston-Salem, NC.

Devora leaves behind numerous devoted family members to cherish her loving memory; her husband Michael P. Black Sr.; son, Riccardo Barrington Transou (Deja) of Dallas TX; stepdaughters, Courtney Doby (Jaren) of Charlotte, NC and Michelle Black of California; stepson, Michael P. Black, Jr. of Winston-Salem, NC; granddaughters, Taylor Doby & Grace Black; grandson, Elyon Simmons; father, Frank Barrington Ascott (Phyllis) of Hillsborough, NC; her second mom, Catherine Ascott of Durham, NC; four siblings, Heather Ascott-King (Stanley) of Winston-Salem, NC, Ashley Ascott Ahlers (John) of Durham, NC, Ryan Ascott of Hillsborough, NC; & Amari Ascott of Hillsborough NC; nieces, Karsyn King & Catie Ahlers; nephews, S. Braxton King & Isaiah Ahlers; devoted family members, aunts, Karmen McPhearson and Arie Jean Long; cousins, Valerie Brooks, Dwayne Scott, and Debra Martin; Godmother, Jennette McGregor; Godsisters, Velvet McGregor and Scarlett Gailes; and a host of loving and devoted friends that were too numerous to name.

There will be no public viewing.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, August 26, 2022 at Great Commission Community Church with Apostle Gloria Samuels officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.