Martha Glover Thompson Bland

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.