Gail Ann Grollman Black

January 6, 1948 - April 18, 2026

St Leonard, MD – Gail Ann Black , 78, formerly of Annapolis passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026 at the Hospice of Charles County surrounded by her son Steven Black, his wife Karyn and their son, Gail’s only grandchild, Tyler. In addition to Steven, she is survived by her husband of 59 yrs., Don Black of St Leonard and her son Bryan Black of Diamondhead, MS. Gail is predeceased by her father, Robert “Buddy” Grollman, her mother, Mary Kovalick, and her brother Robert “Bobby” Grollman.

Gail worked as an Administrative Assistant for both the Prince George’s Public School System and the Calvert County Public School System. She was always a friendly face for the students, whom she called her “Pookies.” No matter the reason that brought a Pookie to the office, she always had an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on. It was not uncommon for students to return years later to check in with Ms. Black and let her know how much she meant to them.

Gail will also be remembered for her 20 years of support of our deployed military service members
by sending thousands of care packages. Through the years, she was able to share her mission with
the school children who wrote letters and created art, various professional offices who saved their
magazines, and the wide range of community organizations and neighbors who collected items to
include in her care packages. To this day, many have remained in contact with her. She received
many accolades and awards in recognition of “Operation Shoe Box” for her selfless service, but she
was most proud of the connections she made and the ongoing relationships she had with those
service members.

Above all, Gail loved her family and friends. There was not a day that went by that she did not
send “white light” to surround them in peace, care and safety. Gail spent almost 60 years with the
love of her life, Don. Through the years, they grew up together, took care of each other and loved
each other deeply, sharing life’s burdens and blessings. She adored her grandson from the very first
moment she met him and would do anything to spend more time with him. She was so proud of the
thoughtful and intelligent young man he is growing into. Her sons, Bryan and Steven, were always
known as Pookie 1 and Pookie 2. She was a fierce defender in times of trouble, and so proud of each
of them for growing into caring, independent and responsible men.

Gail loved her gardens and flowers. They brought her endless hours of joy, though she always said
she didn’t have a green thumb until she moved to Calvert County. One of her favorite places was
relaxing on her back porch watching the hummingbirds and looking at her flower garden.
Gail will be missed by everyone who knows her. She enjoyed meeting new people, learning their
stories, and sharing her compassion and humor. Whether it was fellow patients receiving treatment
or the person in line behind her at the cash register, Gail made people feel seen and heard, that they
mattered even if just for a few minutes.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday June 7, 2026 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Adams Tap
House and Grill, 2200 Solomons Island Rd S, Prince Frederick, MD 20678-3349. The
Remembrance Ceremony will begin at 1:30pm, followed by the reception at 2:30pm.