Crystal Louise Black

Crystal Louise Black (CB) left us peacefully on June 6, 2026, surrounded by her husband of 35 years, Neal Clodfelter, her daughter Victoria (Tori) Wynn Clodfelter, Tori’s partner, Jared Hetzer, and dearest friends Beth, Luke, and Annie Frazza. CB is predeceased by her parents Rita Towers & Willard Lee Black, and her siblings Lynn Sanders & Carol Klumb. She is survived by her siblings Kay Carter, Becky Bair, Ralph Black, & Mike Black.

CB was born in Illinois, and spent most of her youth in Naples, FL, where she could be found soaking up the sun on Naples Beach, or in the Naples High School Art Room working on her latest masterpiece. She remained deeply connected to Naples throughout her life, regularly returning to visit her lifelong friends, Mary Reznor, Liz Waybright, and Liz's husband, Bob. Her adventurous and spontaneous spirit was evident even in eighth grade, when she, Mary, and Liz occasionally slipped out of Spanish class to sit outside and talk about boys.

CB graduated from The Ringling School of Art and Design in 1983 after first meeting Neal there. After graduation, she settled in the DC area and reconnected with Neal. They married in 1991 in Washington, D.C, and in December 1992, Tori arrived, taking center stage in their hearts and in the living room while dancing to showtunes in CB’s heels and jewelry.

CB had a long and esteemed career in restaurant management and event planning that included stints at The Washington Post, The National Academy of Sciences, The World Bank, and the Central Intelligence Agency. She finished her career in a management position with the Department of Defense War.

CB had many passions and hobbies; she loved to support and revel in Tori’s performing career in Chicago, usher at Signature Theater alongside her bestie Beth, and host an annual Thanksgiving feast that had just the right amount of umami, surrounded by family and friends. She loved to share her meticulously prepared cuisine with loved ones, most notably her renowned flan.

CB brought a sense of calm to every room she entered, a presence nurtured by her devoted yoga practice. She wrapped conversations in effortless grace and was a deeply attentive listener, choosing her moments carefully to brighten the silence with a flash of her signature dry wit. Her silence was never for a lack of opinion, however. She was never one to mince words, especially when it came to her preferences on restaurants, dirty martinis, and U.S Presidents.

During her years-long battle with cancer, CB embodied her signature grace and strength from the moment she was diagnosed. Through every stage of her prognosis, CB chose not just to endure, but to savor life. CB’s loved ones will deeply miss her gentle confidence, welcoming nature, and loving wit.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Neal and Tori invite you to share one more meal with CB and support her beloved charity, Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen.

A Celebration of Life service will take place on August 29th, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. Additional details and RSVP information can be found HERE.