J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Bland, Florence Drewery

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Courtland, Virginia

Florence Drewery Bland, 67, a resident of Courtland, died Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin. Born July 11, 1940, in Isle of Wight County, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Florence Howell Drewery.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert Ivan Bland; a daughter, Christie Ann Aldana and her husband, Hector, of Richmond; a son, Michael Dean Bland and his wife, Angie, of Bastrop, TX; two granddaughters, Chloe I. and Olivia R. Aldana; a sister, Virginia D. Carr of Rescue; two brothers, Harry Drewery and his wife, Ruth, and Jesse Drewery and his wife, Evelyn, all of Franklin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Florence was predeceased by two sisters, Louise Carr and Mary Arthur Gavin.

Florence lived her life according to the principals of her Lord Jesus Christ. She suffered many trials and much physical discomfort, but her bright smile and uncomplaining spirit were a blessing to everyone who knew her. Florence was a member of Tucker Swamp Baptist Church, Zuni. She was a faithful participant of the Franklin Christian Women’s Club and served as a regional representative of Fellowship Bible Studies for Stonecroft Ministries. She was a former member of Hunterdale United Church of Christ, was active in the children’s ministry of the church and taught Sunday school there for over 30 years. She was formerly employed in the public school systems of Southampton County and the City of Franklin as a Guidance Secretary.

Funeral services will be held at Tucker Swamp Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 29, 2008, by the Rev. Dr. Robert Edwards. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Purviance Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Wakefield, Monday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and also at a reception following the funeral services Tuesday afternoon at Tucker Swamp Baptist Church.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Memorial Fund of Tucker Swamp Baptist Church, 37414 Seacock Chapel Rd., Zuni, VA 23898. Purviance Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Wakefield, assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be posted at our web site at www.jtmorriss.com.

For Ivan and family....so sorry to read that you have lost Florence. She's now in Glory with our Savior Please convey my condolences to all the family..I will be in prayer especially for you folk during this time of loss. I will advise Charles and Cecil.
Your Cousin,
Bill Ricks

Posted by: RICKS, BILLY at February 7, 2008 08:34 AM

Christie:

Just wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Beth Warren Rodgers & Family

Posted by: Beth Warren Rodgers & Family at February 2, 2008 12:18 PM

Christie,

I'm very sorry to hear the news about your mother. I hope you find strength during this trying time. When I think of your Mom I remember all the food she used to cook us and wish I knew the recipes (especially the cookies made out of cake mix!). Please send my love to your father, brother, Hector and your daughters.

Love,
Chrissy

Posted by: Chrissy Cronin at January 29, 2008 10:17 PM

Ivan and family,
Wanted to tell you what a beautiful service that was held today for FLorence. She truly was a virturous woman and Proverbs 31 fitted her to the sky. The service was so plain for anyone to be saved.. IF anyone was there that did not know Christ, they missed their best chance ever if they did not accept Him today..She would have loved "her" service.
God bless you all and comfort you in the days ahead. We shall meet her again one day.

Shirley and Junior Bryant

Posted by: Shirley Bryant at January 29, 2008 06:31 PM

Christie -

Oh my gosh - I just heard of your mother's passing - I am so very sorry. Every time I think of her, I remember the times we would chat on the treadmills at the YMCA - she always made me smile!
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Give my best to your father, Michael, your girls and Hector. I wish I could be there.

peace and love,
Julie and familly

Posted by: Julie Blythe Pope at January 29, 2008 03:30 PM

Ivan and family....My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this very sad time.Florence was a good Christain lady and is singing in the Lord's presence today.May God be with you in the coming days to comfort you in your sorrow.

Posted by: George T Cobb at January 29, 2008 01:08 PM

Ivan, Chrisite and Michael,

"Flossy" will be remembered in my heart forever and may her smile shine through each of you and everyone that has had the pleasure to know her. You are in my prayers.

Posted by: Bonta Cunningham at January 29, 2008 08:13 AM

Michael & Christie,

I was so sad to hear about your mother. I will always remember her sweet smile. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Beale Francis

Posted by: Lisa Beale Francis at January 28, 2008 04:51 PM

Dear Ivan & family,

I was so sorry to hear of Florence's passing yesterday. Both Pat Woodward and Shirley Bryant called me. I am so glad I got to spend time with Florence last year when I was in Windsor for my granddaughter's birthday in Feb. Our whole class loved her so much but I will never forget the day in 9th grade that she came up to me and said "hello cuz". Fred Bailey told me once we were probably related to everybody between Windsor & Franklin anyway.
My love and Prayers are with you as you go through these next few days and also in the days to come without her. She never met my daughter Deb in this life but today they are together with GOD. In whoes care we must all find PEACE.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Cobb Smith

Posted by: Carolyn Smith at January 28, 2008 09:14 AM

Ivan, Christie and Michael,
We were saddened to learn of Florence's passing. She was a fine lady and will be missed by many. Your family is in our prayers.

Posted by: Jack & Jean Martin at January 27, 2008 11:22 PM