Jeffrey David Black

Jeffrey David Black passed away early in the morning of August 14, 2026 from a very serious illness that spanned 6 months. Much of that time he was in good spirits and fair health until the final days.

Jeff was born on June 18, 2018 to Douglas and Galina Black of Cary, NC.  He was also greeted by an older brother Michael, who is now 11 years old.  From the very beginning he was a happy, smiling boy, who became very attached to Michael, enjoying many activities together, even if some mild rivalries or disputes occurred. At 3 years old, he began attending the International Kids Club, a multinational daycare center where his half-Russian heritage fit right in with the vision created by the Ukrainian owner.  After about a year there he began attending the Cranfield Academy as it offered good pre-school structure.  

In the fall of 2023, he began kindergarten at TMSA Apex and progressed through the program to first grade.  It was a little over halfway through second grade when his illness was diagnosed and he was unable to continue, although he did go back for two end of the year celebrations in May when he last saw most of his friends.

In his last two years, he took swimming lessons, as his brother had, and became an excellent swimmer, loved by his instructors for his playful (sometimes too playful) and joking personality.  Jeff followed his brother's lead onto the roller rink as well and became very proficient at rollerblading.  He also loved to go for walks on the areas nature trails, but his greatest passion was building Legos. Especially during the last months, Jeff erected, with very little help, over 40 sets with many containing 700 to 800 pieces -- these will serve as monuments to his courage and determination.

Jeff was fortunate enough to make multiple trips to the Caribbean with his family, staying on Aruba on two different occasions and visiting the Dominican Republic. He also went on several cruises with his family and visited other islands, if only briefly.  He loved his grandmother’s Russian cuisine most of all,  but also loved a good pizza and chicken strips and fries.

He will be remembered by all as a boy who was very kind, considerate, polite, and loved to have playdates with his friends.  He was completely selfless and was always thinking of ways to make other people happy.

Jeff is survived by his parents, Douglas and Galina; brother, Michael; his maternal grandparents, Vladimir Shishlov and Elena Shislova; his uncle Konstantin Kulikov; his aunt Ekaterina Kulikova and niece Mariia Kulikova.  He is also survived on his paternal side by his aunt and uncle, Karlene and David Black, and nephew Eric.

There will be a visitation held at City of Oaks Funeral Home for family and friends. For service information and details, please contact the family directly.