Mr. Wilbert McKinley Bland Sr.

For I am now ready to be offered, and time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
Shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
II Timothy 4:6 – 8
Wilbert McKinley Bland, Sr. peaceful entered eternal rest on Friday, September 9, 2022, at Bon Secours Southside Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Prince George County and the son of the late Willie and Sylvia Peters Bland. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Geraldine Lewis and Ludelia Bland; and brothers, William Nelson Bland, Sr., Fenton L. Bland, Sr., Junius Webster Bland, Sr., Herbert
DeWitt Bland, Sr., Mayo Bland, and Roycee Bland, Sr.
Wilbert confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Loving Union Baptist Church in Disputanta. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Harrison Street. Wilbert graduated from J.E.J. Moore High School and attended Virginia State College (now University). While working with his brother, William Nelson at Bland's Funeral Home, Wilbert decided to open a florist. He completed an apprenticeship at the Flower Mart under the mentorship of the Late LL Meredith, where he learned and developed his love for floral industry. In April 1963, Wilbert founded Bland's Florist in Petersburg. Bland's Florist is one of the oldest African American businesses in the city. For over 59 years, Wilbert loved serving Petersburg and the surrounding areas with floral arrangements for all occasions.
Wilbert was a community leader, generous supporter, and a friend to all. He served as the Past President of the National Florist Association. Wilbert served his community as Vice-Chair of Petersburg Economic and Development Association, as well as a member of the Peterburg Jaycees, Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, and Petersburg Police Chief Advisory Committee. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, the former Beaux Twenty Civic Club, Petersburg (VA) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated (Connecting Link), Petersburg Chapter of The Drifters, Incorporated (Driftwood), and The National Epicureans Petersburg Chapter (Eppo).
Survived by his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Vivian A. Bland; two adoring children, Dr. Sylinda Bland Banks, and Wilbert M. "Kenny" Bland, Jr. (Tametria); grandchildren, Brian Jackson, Kennedy Bland, Kenneth "KJ" Bland, Kamryn Bland; and great-grandson, Ke'Veon Jackson. He is survived by sisters, Bertha Hamlin, Lilian Webster, Ophelia Jackson, and brother, Eugene Bland; sisters-in-law, Juanita Bland, Costella B. Williams (Junius), and Sylvia B. Roney. A host of nieces and nephews far too numerous to name, and the dedicated staff of Bland's Florist as well as many loving friends to include the Petersburg community and surrounding areas.
A Celebration of Life service will be held 1 P.M., Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA, 23803, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, pastor, eulogist. Interment will follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park, Dinwiddie, VA. The family will assemble one hour prior to service.
Public visitation will be held 10-8 P.M., Friday, September 16, 2022. Ceremonial Service will be held 6-7:30 P.M., Friday, September 16, 2022 at the Chapel of Bland Funeral Home, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA, 23803. The family requests that food be omitted.
The funeral arrangements for Mr. Wilbert M. Bland, Sr., have been entrusted to the caring professionals of Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., 804.732.7841. www.blandfuneralhomes.com
W. Lamonte Fields, General Manager/Funeral Director
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