Virginia Downey Bland

Mrs. Virginia Downey Bland, 102, of Nelson, VA entered eternal rest on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Chowan River Nursing Home, Edenton, NC.

Mrs. Bland was born in Mecklenburg County, VA on March 25, 1920 to the late Arthur Lee Downey and Odessa D. Downey. She received her education in the Mecklenburg County school system, and at an early age she joined New Jonathan Creek Missionary Baptist Church n Oxford, NC where she remained a faithful member for many years. She was an active choir member until her failing health. Mrs. Bland was employed by the Lake Hotel for many years, and later retired from Russell Stover Candies after twenty-seven years of service. She always enjoyed visiting friends, gardening, fishing, cooking, crafts, her many flowers, and she was a local flower club member. During her spare time, she was a volunteer for the Buffalo Junction Meal Site.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Harvey Bland, and two siblings, Lessie Downey Brown-Hilliard and First Lady Christine Downey Myers.

Cherishing her memories are her Godchildren, Bettye Gregory Day-Preston (George), Joan Bland Taylor-Bonds (Elton) and Kirk Parker Thorpe (Marjorie); children of the Godchildren, Barry Day, (Renee), Tamika Bland, Marshea Taylor, Kirk Thorpe, Jr., and Keon Thorpe; one nephew, Cleotis Brown; devoted caregivers of Ann's Care, South Boston, VA, Mrs. Ann Furges, and staff, a host of great-nieces and nephews, and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Virginia Downey Bland will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 6, 2023 at the chapel of C. H. Harris Funeral Home, Buffalo Junction, VA with Rev. Leroy S. Anderson, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in New Jonathan Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Oxford, NC. Public viewing will begin on Friday at 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M.

Arrangements are by C. H. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service.