Iris Bland Richardson

Iris Bland Richardson, 90, passed away on February 26, 2026. Born on December 7, 1935, to Joe Ball, Sr. and Irene Bland, she grew up with her siblings in the Fort Barnwell community, graduating from Farm Life High School in 1953. She was known for her athletic abilities in basketball and softball during high school.

She and her husband, Warren, who predeceased her in 2014, resided in the Fort Barnwell community until moving to the Vanceboro area in 1995.

Iris is survived by her daughter, Allison Morris (Terry); grandson, Justin Morris (Kristen); great-grandchildren, Tucker and Kennedy Morris; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Geneva Gilbert, Ralph Bland, Myrtle Adams, Henry Bland, Norman Bland, Jack Bland, J. B. Bland, Jr., and Irene Brinkley; and sister-in-law, Peggy Grady.

She was an active member of Moseley's Creek OFWB Church. After moving to Vanceboro, Warren and Iris joined the Vanceboro Global Methodist Church, where she was involved in the Administrative Council, Women's Ministries, and Bible studies. Iris was known for her hospitality in the church, welcoming visitors and greeting members each Sunday.

In earlier years, she worked at E. I. DuPont, and in tobacco warehouses as an employee of what is now the FSA. In later years, she was employed by Craven County Schools serving as a teacher assistant, mostly at the second-grade level.

She enjoyed reading, visiting with friends, spending time at the beach, watching her grandson play ball and racing, and her great-grandchildren in their everyday lives.

The family would like to thank family members and friends who have lovingly ministered to them during this time, as well as those who provided compassionate care during her extended illness, Shirley Manning, Judy Morris, the staff of Carolina East Health System, and the staff of Independent Living Home Care.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Vanceboro Global Methodist Church, 560 Farm Life Avenue, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10 AM, with Pastors Eric Morphis and Carter Rains officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Vanceboro Global Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 65, Vanceboro, NC 28586.