Martha Glover Thompson Bland

January 29, 1921 - December 18, 2014
Martha Glover Thompson Bland

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Martha Glover Thompson Bland, born January 29th 1921, passed away December 18th, 2014. She was preceded in death in 1998, by her loving husband of 56 years, James Field Bland (Jim). She is survived by her four children William R. Bland, Julia B. Blankenship, Mary Lynn Wilding, James T. Bland, their spouses, 11 grandchildren and spouses, and 13 great grandchildren.

Martha (Marty) was a native of Kentucky. She married Jim in 1942 and later raised their four children in the D.C. area where Jim was a Deputy Director of the FBI. They retired to Williamsburg, VA in 1978 to be closer to all their children. Marty spent her time in Williamsburg as a dedicated and active participant in the local community. She and Jim joined Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and quickly became very active members. Marty served in several different capacities including assisting with they Prayer Chain, Book Club, as receptionist, planning flower arrangements, organizing annual events, as well as remaining a devoted member of the congregation. Marty also served as a volunteer with Williamsburg Community Hospital for over 20 years and was selected as a Life Member for her continual service. Her work with the ìChemo Capî project, knitting caps for chemo patients, was one of her most enthusiastic endeavors. Marty volunteered with FISH. She helped with clothing drives and serving meals to needy community members. Marty and Jim were also avid supporters and fans of William and Mary sports, enjoying season tickets to the football and basketball games. Martyís community involvement exemplified her commitment to stewardship as an expression of her love.

Marty will always be remembered by her family as ìMommomî. She was our matriarch instilling in each of us the core values of family. Her thoughtful and thorough participation in each of our lives created the bond that we all share. Her love for her family was expressed in many ways; with a thoughtful note in the mail, a kind and caring work of advice, a loving hug, a knowing smile, or a joyful laugh. She enjoyed the bustling, ordered chaos of family get-togethers, always planning the perfect seating arrangements for productive conversations and making efforts for everyone to be included. She enjoyed the camaraderie of playing Scrabble and Dominos late into the evenings with her children and grandchildren and even appreciated the friendly rivalries we tended to create. Mommom lives on in our daily lives, in our memories, and in our stories. When we need a hug or a shoulder to cry on, sheís here to comfort us just as always, as our mother, our grandmother, our great-grandmother, and our friend.

Visitation service will be held Monday evening, December 22nd, 5:30pm-7:30pm at Bucktrout of Williamsburg. Memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 23rd at 11am at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow the service. A private burial will be held afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FISH.


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  • December 20, 2014
    Katy Nastanovich says:
    Dear Julie, I will always remember meeting your mom at VMFA and the Mosque. She was a lovely lady. I know you loved her very much. My sincere and heartfelt condolences. Sincerely, Katy Nastanovich

  • December 22, 2014
    Andrew Storey says:
    From hearing Britten's stories about Mommom, I know she was a very special person with an amazing heart. Our prayers and love are with your family during this time.

  • December 22, 2014
    Bill Casto says:
    I have extremely fond memories of Mrs. Bland. She was a true lady in every since of the word. What she has meant to her family and a large extended family, cannot be measured. When my wife and I moved to Williamsburg, through her son Bob, she befriended us as though we were long lost relatives. She was the most tolerant and positive lady I have I have ever known. She will be missed. Bill Casto

  • December 20, 2014
    Perry Wornom Moore says:
    I will miss Marty's smile and the dignity with which she approached life. Her gifts were many but best of all was her warmth of spirit preceded by that lovely smile. Williamsburg Presbyterian Church has lost one of it's faithful worker-members. She committed to any task with grace to the finish.

  • December 22, 2014
    Kathy Ricci says:
    Jim, Amy and Family; I just want you to know that you are all in my heart and I am thinking about you everyday. Your mom was a wonderful woman and she made you all beautiful people. I will pray for all your hearts to heal. Love you all, Kathy