Mrs. Lillian Bland

March 23, 1927 - February 9, 2021

Mrs. Lillian Bland, 93, widow of the late John Bland, Sr., passed away peacefully on February 9th, 2021 at her home. She was born on March 23, 1927, in Huger, SC to the late Arthur Smith and Florence Bennett Smith. Lillian received her education from Charleston County Schools, in Charleston, S.C. She had a special gift and keen insight into helping people. In addition to joyfully raising seven children of her own, she lent a guiding hand with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many children of relatives and friends. Lillian was strong in her faith, a loving, caring Christian who always shared her wisdom. She had a special gift for serving and served on the Usher Board at St. Luke A.M.E. Church, NYC, and later became a faithful member of Tabernacle House of Prayer, Queens, NY. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by one brother, Willie Spells, and one sister, Grace Watkins: two sons Charles Bland and Lawrence Bland (Marva), and one daughter Vera Bowers. Survivors include her children, Robert (Mary) Smith, Sherril Bland, John Bland Jr, and Karen (James) Gibbs; her sisters, Cora Lee Smalls, Pearl Snipes, and Bessie Horlback; 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great- grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. On Tuesday, February 16th, 2021, a viewing will be held from 10:00 to 12:00 NOON and a Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 NOON at Crowes Funeral Home, Queens, New York. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 20, 2021, and a private Funeral Service will follow at The Rev. Bryan McNeal, Sr. Memorial Chapel, Awendaw, SC. Interment will be at Charity AME Church Cemetery, Huger, S.C, immediately following the service. The family regrets that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no home visitation will be held. We ask all guests and family members attending the viewing and service to practice social distancing and if medically able, to wear a mask. Services will be livestreamed at: http://youtube.com/nfinityforevernfinityllc.