Meredith Bridges Bland

MYRTLE BEACH - Meredith Bland passed away peacefully the morning of July 17, 2008, in Myrtle Beach, SC. Born in Columbia, SC, September 27, 1925, she was the daughter of the late James Herbert Bridges and Lillier Jones Bridges.

Mrs. Bland attended Salem Academy in Winston Salem, NC, St. Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC, and Queens College in Charlotte, NC, where she later served as the Alumnae President. She devoted her life to her family, friends and church. As a charter member of Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, she was an active member of the choir. Her beautiful voice was appreciated by everyone, and she often performed for special occasions. She was also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Guild and volunteered for several charitable organizations.

In Boone, NC, she enjoyed her role as Friday Club Director for First Presbyterian Church and cherished her friendships there. Mrs. Bland will be remembered for her generosity to family and friends, sense of humor, affectionate nature, love of music, and her strong belief in God.

Mrs. Bland was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph House Bland Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Cunningham of Columbia, SC; her brother, Herbert Conrad Bridges of Mooresville, NC; three grandchildren, Colleen McSweeney Vowles and her husband Ken of Columbia, SC, Patrick Joseph McSweeney of Duluth, GA, and Daniel Bland McSweeney of Charleston, SC; three grandsons, Kenneth, Daniel and Zachary Vowles; and other relatives and dear friends.

To Hazel Euler, Sue Richardson, Katie Washington, Cassandra Johnson and Martha Valentine, the family can never thank you enough for the wonderful care you gave Mrs. Bland during her last two years of life. You are truly angels on earth.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2008, in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at Harry and Bryant Company, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte.