COURTLAND —Florence Drewery Bland, 67, a resident of Courtland, died Jan. 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.

Mrs. Bland lived her life according to the principles 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.

She 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.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Robert Ivan Bland; a daughter, Christie Ann Aldana and husband Hector of Richmond; a son, Michael Dean Bland and wife, Angie of Bastrop, Texas; 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 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.

Funeral services was held at Tucker Swamp Baptist Church Tuesday by the Rev. Dr. Robert Edwards.

Burial was in the church cemetery.

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.