Ruth B. Bland

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:30)

Mrs. Ruth Elizabeth Bumbry Bland was born to the late Lomax and Elizabeth Bumbry on March 4, 1924 in Hooes, Virginia. She transitioned from her earthly home to eternity with the Lord with her son at her bedside on Friday, September 9, 2016 at her residence. In August 1932, she accepted Christ, was baptized, and became a member of the Little Ark Baptist Church in King George, Virginia under the leadership of the late Reverend George Carter.

Ruth began her music career at the church at the age of 12. There was an organ in the balcony, and she and Ruth Liggins alternated Sundays playing for the service. At the age of 14, she began playing for the newly formed Young Men's Jubilee and continued until the age of 83. "The Men" were dear to her heart and she enjoyed every moment playing and singing with them. She was also the pianist for the J. W. Chapman Chorus as well as choirs in other local churches. Believing that the study of music is a lifelong pursuit, Ruth continued studying music under local piano instructors. She attended the Hampton Ministerial Conference annually, learning new music; the acceptable music for the different phases of the worship service; and singing in the Conference Choir.

In 1941, Ruth graduated from the Edgehill Training School in King George as the valedictorian of her class. Soon thereafter, she departed King George for employment at the United States Postal Service in Washington, DC, working for three and a half years.

Ruth returned to King George to marry Robert Bland on March 23, 1946. God blessed them with two children, Nadine and Gilbert, and 50 golden years of marriage. Additionally, in the early 1970s, Ruth and Robert opened their home to newly hired African Americans, Herman Cain and Winford Hooker, who had been employed at the Dahlgren Naval Base. Herman and Winford became their adopted sons. Robert was patient and waited lovingly on Ruth. He predeceased her on February 8, 1997.

Ruth also worked at J. T. Harris Company as a sales clerk for six and a half years. She retired from that profession on December 31, 1994.

Ruth was a very pleasant, and soft spoken person. She loved her family and had a very special love for her children and grandchildren, often telling folks that she resigned from the Navy Exchange in 1973 to care for her first grandchild (Patricia) and later the second grandchild (Marlena). Supporting her grandchildren was her great passion. From babysitting; attending school activities and graduation ceremonies across the country; birthday dinner celebrations, and never forgetting to send a birthday or holiday card. Each grandchild knew they were individually special and loved by "Gram-ma."

She leaves to cherish her memories a loving and devoted daughter, Nadine Lucas and husband Bernard; a caring son, Gilbert Bland and wife Joyce; seven adorable grandchildren, Patricia Parham and husband Larry, Marlena Moore and husband Ryan, Robert, Allison, Elizabeth "Libby", William and Samuel Bland; great-granddaughter Ericka; great great-granddaughter Natalie; loving sister Geraldine Slaughter; god-daughter Melanie Cain Gallo; sister-in-law Lenora Bland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special senior friends.



Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535