1
tree
planted in memory of Gail E. Bland
Obituary for Gail E. Bland
Gail Elizabeth Foster was born on January 22, 1954, to the late James E. Foster and Virginia B. Foster. As a young girl she was baptized at Chester Grove Baptist Church in Amelia, Virginia, where she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior.
She attended Amelia County Public Schools and graduated from Amelia County High School in 1972. After high school, Gail worked for Travelers Insurance Company. In 1975 she married her high school sweetheart, Garland Bland, beginning a love story that lasted a lifetime. Their bond was an example of devotion and partnership, and their marriage was filled with the joy of raising three children, welcoming grandchildren, and creating lasting memories. For more than 20 years, she dedicated her time and energy to nurturing children through Gail E. Bland Family Daycare.
Outside of her work, Gail found joy in simple pleasures. She was an avid gardener who loved tending to her flowers, always finding peace and beauty among the blooms. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend; her kindness, strength, and selflessness touched everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the children she nurtured, and the gardens she cared for with such love.
Gail was preceded in death by her parents, James E. Foster and Virginia B. Foster; her son, Garland Ray Bland Jr.; her brothers, Matthew Foster and Wayne Foster; a nephew, Baby Boy Gibson; and her great-nephews, Ernesto Valdez and James Foster III.
She leaves behind to cherish loving memories, her devoted husband, Garland R. Bland Sr.; her children, Tremayne C. Bland and Shanta’ M. Bland; her grandchildren, Cherish R. Bland and Cameron M. Bland; her siblings, James A. Foster Sr. (Valorie) of Amelia, VA, Teresa F. Hayes of Richmond, VA, and Clarice F. Gibson (Douglas Sr.) of Midlothian, VA; her brothers-in-law, Gerald M. Bland (Martha) and Robert Bland; her sister-in-law Frances Bland (Tony); her daughter-in-law, Joy Hembrick-Bland; special friends, Bercenia Smith and Joyce Nyhaug; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
To plant a tree in memory of Gail E. Bland, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
4
Sep
4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
M. W. Hawkes Funeral Home
15001 Patrick Henry Hwy
Amelia, VA 23002
There will be NO viewing on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Service
Saturday
6
Sep
11:00 AM
Amelia County High School
8500 Otterburn Road
Amelia Courthouse , VA 23002
Cemetery Details
Location
Chester Grove Baptist Church
12630 Fowlkes Bridge Road
Amelia, VA 23002
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