Mary Helen Black was born May 21, 1941 in San Antonio, Texas. She was the daughter of the late James McMillian and Jessie Mae Jones. Mary accepted Christ at New Light Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev P.S. Wilkinson, Sr. Mary continued her walk with the Lord at the Mt. Zion First Baptist Church where she sung in the choir. She later placed her membership at the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. She received her education in the private school system attending St. Peter Claver Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas.