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Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory - Peters Creek Road

5160 Peters Creek Road

Roanoke, Virginia

Norma Bland Obituary

Norma Jean Bland, Mama Jean, 62, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Sunday, June 28, 2009. Funeral service celebrating her life will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Simpson Funeral Chapel, 540-366-0707.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Norma Bland

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July 23, 2009

Dear Bland Family,

I was so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. She was always such a joy to talk to when she called Burlington. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Dawn Hogan (Burlington)

Kim Huynh

July 4, 2009

I was so shocked to hear about Jean's passing. Not only she was my son, Nathan's "mama Jean" for most of his early ages, she was my dearest friend for years. Jean's "easy to talk to" attitude made one felt at home. I learned so much from her how to be a good mom.

Pop & family - Philip, Nathan & I are so sorry to learn about this sad new late. We missed a chance to say good-bye to our dearest and most wonderful friend whom we had the opportunity to meet and will never forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Today the nursery in heaven has a loving angel to watch over the little angels.

Rest in peace Jean. We love you.

Kim, Nathan Philip Nguyen

Jean Toti

July 2, 2009

Just found out about Jean's passing. I worked with her at Lewis Gale and she
was always a positive, upbeat person!
You all have my heartfelt sympathy.

Stephanie Pettus

July 2, 2009

Her joyous sprite will be missed. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Pamela & Bill Davis

July 1, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.

Katie Jenkins

July 1, 2009

To the Family,

I am sorry for your loss. Jean was so very special to all of us. I have known her since i moved into the neighborhood in 1996. She was the grandma of the neighborhood, always looking out for us kids, and one of the reasons I decided to work with children. Thank you so much Jean! You are an inspiration to all of us and we will never forget you.

Samantha Hammond

June 30, 2009

I loved Mama Jean, and I have since I was 12. I just found out tonight that she was gone, and I am soooo sorry that she is! She was such a special woman!!!

Samantha (Irish) Hammond

bill sullivan

June 30, 2009

larry,carolyn,teresa,& clyde,
i am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. she was a very special lady. i know that you and all the kids she watched over the years will think of her often as will i. my prayers are with you all, and i will be in contact soon.

bill sullivan

Mike, Pam, Chris, Justin and Carmen Sheppard

June 30, 2009

Jean will be missed greatly and anyone who ever had the privilage of ever knowing her will miss her terribly. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. I will miss seeing her come down the road in that white suv to pick up Neal about every day and she always made time to stop and ask about us. She is an angel. Never to be forgotten!

Joe Drummond

June 30, 2009

My condolences to the entire Bland family. Although I never met Miss Jean in person, my dealings with her over the phone through our business were always a pleasure. She composed herself with such grace, even when I knew that she was going through extremely difficult times. She truly touched our entire office, and will certainly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you.

Kenneth,Tina,Taylor Conley

June 30, 2009

To Carolyn and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

June 30, 2009

Larry and Children,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jean was a kind and loving wife and mother. I was very fortunate to have known her. I am so happy that we were together a few weeks ago. Jean told me about the children and grandchildren and what they were doing. She was so very proud of her family. God Bless each of you. One day, all of you will be with Jean again.
love
Joy

Heather Dunbar

June 30, 2009

To The Bland Family,
I still cannot believe Mama Jean is in heaven. I just does not seem possible. Your family has been a part of our family for so many years. Mama Jean was such an incredieble woman, with and loving spirit and huge heart. We are truly blessed to have her as a part of our life. I know she touched everyone she ever came in contact with. We will miss her so much!!! I know she will be watching over her family and one sweet day we will see her smiling face again. Take comfort in knowing you will see her again. She is preparing a place for all of you with her. God Bless each and everyone of you in these difficult days, weeks, months and years ahead. She will always be with you where ever you go in life. Just remember that. Our prayers continue to lift up your entire family.
Love Always,
Keith, Heather, Codi & Katie

Fly with angels Mama Jean

June 30, 2009

larry,clyde,teresa and carolyn
i am sorry for your loss, you and your family will be in our prayers and thought.
christy luper(putnam) i went to school with larry.

Donna David

June 29, 2009

To the Bland family,

I feel very fortunate to have known Jean. She was a very loving person and caring for children was an extension of the thoughtfulness and love that she had for everyone she met. The children she and Denise cared for were very lucky to have been nurtured and cared for in such a loving family environment. Your family is in my prayers and this dear lady is now resting peacefully after a job well done. God Bless you all and may your memories comfort you.

Dreama Locks

June 29, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Jackie Lusk

June 29, 2009

Larry and family, I was saddend to hear of Jean's passing. Although I only got to know her the short time ago when I lived with mom and dad, it was easy to see what a truly beautiful person she was. She was a friend to all and and a momma to many. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
GOD Bless,
Jimmy & Gales Daughter Jackie and family

June 29, 2009

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Sorry we are not able to be there with you but we will be with you in spirit. All our love to the family and Aunt Evie.
Cousins,
Glenn, Julia, JR. Elaine & Allison

Les & Piper Talbot

June 29, 2009

We never met Jean personally, but she must have been a great lady. Larry and Melissa, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.
Much Love,

Ashley and Erika Hanson

June 29, 2009

Many hearts are broken to hear of Momma Jean's passing. I can't even begin to say what a wonderful, caring, and loving individual she was. She was so thought of as a child care provider that there was a waiting list a mile long to get an opening and I was so lucky to have my little one be a part of her. I lived across the street from her and Pops on Darby and she was like another mother to me and absolutely wonderful to Erika who spent her early years of her life w/Jean and Denise. They took care of her like one of their own! I could never thank Jean enough for going above and beyond. Erika loved her dearly. They all were like family to us and always were willing to give a helping hand if needed. I feel like a piece of me is gone now but the memories I have will last forever with me and Erika along w/the many photos we have. Our hearts go out to the family and we will miss you very much. May comfort and peach be with you all during this time.

June 29, 2009

Larry we are sorry for your loss. You & Melissa are in our thougthts and prayers. If you need anything please feel free to call us. Love you always.

Pam & Joey Mayo

Caroline Monk

June 29, 2009

As my little Abby calls her, NaNa will be so sadly missed by me and my family. Her, Denise, and Pops were God sent for me and Abby. We love her so much and have the family in our thoughts and prayers. We love you Jean!

Yvonne Michie

June 29, 2009

Was so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. I worked with her at Lewis-
Gale Clinic for many years, and when we moved into Boxley Hills 26 years ago, she became a neighbor. I will miss her friendly waves as we passed the Bland compound each day. My heart aches, but there is no more suffering.

Debbie Sylvester

June 29, 2009

Jean,

You will be dearly missed by me, Randy, Aaron & Mackenzie. I cannot put into words how you have touched our lives. You cared for our most precious treasures with great care and love. Aaron and Mackenzie will miss you so and you will most definitely will be remembered. It doesn't seem like I only knew you since Aaron was a tiny newborn,now 2 yrs. have gone by, but it feels more like forever as you and Denise became apart of our family. We love you and will miss you terribly. Peace be with you up in heaven and we will see you again one day. We Love you.

Miss you,
Debbie
Randy
Aaron
Mackenzie

Jackie Weddle

June 29, 2009

I am so sad to learn of Moma Jean's passing. She was a beautiful person with a huge heart. Not only was she the caregiver for my children she was my friend and I will miss her very much. The first day I left Dakota with her he was only 12 weeks old and she called me at work several times just to say "He is fine" and I wanted to let you know he is in good hands. It was to make me feel better as a new mother leaving her child with a stranger. That stranger became an icon in Boxley Hills, a neighbor and a friend. Her smile could always brighten a bad day. I will miss her very much.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

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5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019-3810

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