Sunrise:  April 26, 1964     Sunset:  November 1, 2024

Life's Journey

Karen Theresa Bland Was Presented to the world on April 26, 1964 in Newport News, VA to the late Alvin O'Neal Bland Sr, and Theresa M. Bland. At an early age she accepted Christ as her personal savior and joined First Baptist Church Morrison, Newport News, VA. Due to her illness she could not attend church like she wanted to. She was a true believer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Karen attended and graduated from Warwick High School in class of 1972.

Karen was a true fighter and a determined believer of the Lord. People would always ask her how she does it, her reply was God gave me this sickness because he knew I could handle it and handle it she did. Even through her sickness she kept the faith and placed her dependence in the hands of God.

Karen was a dedicated and caring daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She loved her grandchildren dearly especially the little one who is the splitting image of her.  If you ever met her you would fall in love with her, she would speak her mind and let you know exactly where she was coming from. Her friends understood her.  Karen was an excellent cook; there wasn't anything she couldn't cook; all her family and friends enjoyed whatever she prepared and came back for more.

Karen was predeceased by her father Alvin O. Bland, Sr.  She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her mother Theresa M. Bland of Newport News; daughter Nyrisha Mings/Anthony of Fayetteville, NC;  brother Alvin Bland, Jr. of  Newport News;  two granddaughters,  Ashaunti & Alahni Mings both of Fayetteville, NC; one grandson,  Akorri Mings of Fayetteville, NC; special friend Adrian Samuels, of Newport News; niece Alysha of Bland, GA; two special cousins,  Charmaine Jones and Stephanie Scott; and a host of other loving cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10 to 11 AM at Macedonia Baptist Church, Newport News. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11 AM.  Entombment will be private.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.