COURTLAND-Florence Drewery Bland, 67, a resident of Courtland, died Saturday, 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 will be held at Tucker Swamp Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Tuesday 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.

Archie J. Castellow

MURFREESBORO, N.C.—Archie James Castellow, 85, died Jan. 24, 2008.

A funeral will be Sunday at 2 p.m. in Meherrin Baptist Church. Massey Funeral Home, Jackson, is in charge.

Katina M. Cowans

Minister Katina Marie Cowans, 35, of Bogart Street, departed this life Jan. 23, 2008. Katina was a member of Living Word Worship Center in Franklin.

Survivors include her husband, Wallace R. Cowans; two daughters, Myisha Cowans and LaQueena Cowans of Franklin; one son, Reginald Cowans of Franklin; one stepdaughter; two stepsons; her father, Marvin L. Wellons; two sisters, two brothers, two stepgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in New Hope Baptist Church, 1415 Rosewood Ave., Franklin, with Apostle Dorothy B. Lane delivering the eulogy; the Rev. Anthony Goodwyn is pastor.

On the day of service, her remains will be placed in church for viewing by 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery.

Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., is handling arrangements.

Douglas A. Fitzwater

Douglas Alan Fitzwater, 29, passed away Jan. 25, 2008, at home after a long illness.

Mr. Fitzwater was a graduate of Smithfield High School and attended Old Dominion University. His passions included cars, motorcycles and baseball.

Survivors include his father and mother, Dale and Betty Jo Fitzwater; his sister, Rebecca and his niece, Tyler Rose and nephew, Shane Douglas.

The family appreciates all the medical services and support that was given them and on Douglas’s behalf.

A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Smithfield Assembly of God, 1800 S. Church St., Smithfield, with Pastor Donald K. Watkins officiating.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.

Mary S. Langston

Mary S. Langston, 87, of the 300 block of Carver Circle, died Jan. 22, 2008, in Portsmouth.

Born in Southampton County, she was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Emmet Langston; a son, Melvin E. Langston (Jennifer); two grandchildren, Melva Langston Martin (Kenneth) and Melissa Langston Hickman (A.J.); five great-grandchildren; and cousins.

A funeral was conducted by the Rev. Henry P. Jones Monday in Corprew Funeral Home, Portsmouth.

Interment was in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake.