SUFFOLK - Mae Alice "Sweetie, Grandma-Sweet-Pea" Bland, 80, of 5525 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, passed away March 6, 2008 at Sentara Obici Hospital. She was born in Nansemond County and was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie C. And Pattie R. Copeland; one daughter, Vernice Bland; one son, Reginald Bland; two sisters, Mattie Jones and Irene Copeland; and one brother, Mack Daniel Copeland.

She was retired from Planters Peanut Company. She was a member of Healing Chapel Baptist Church where she served on the Senior Usher Board and Mothers’ Board. She was also a member of Diamond Star Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Nansemond Chapter No. 31.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Charles B. Bland; five daughters, Katherine Ruffin of Suffolk, Betty Wilson (Virnest) of Chesapeake, Shirley Simmons, Dorothy Gamble of Suffolk, and Alice Benn (Keith) of Landenburg, PA; two sons, Charles Bland, Jr. of Portsmouth and Melvin Bland of Tampa, FL; two sisters, Pattie Garris and Elaine Lee (Clarence) of Suffolk; five brothers, Johnnie Copeland, Jr., Walter Copeland (Darlene), Leon Copeland (Mary), Richard Copeland (Barbara), and Alvin Copeland (Jacqueline), all of Suffolk; nineteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Freda Bland of Smithfield; devoted granddaughter, Dr. Karen Wilson-Smith; devoted nieces, Adie Goodman and Cheryl Mclean Copeland; devoted nephew, Leroy Mclean Copeland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at Healing Chapel Baptist Church with The Rev. Morris Allmond, Officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery. A Wake Service will be held Monday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Crocker Funeral Home. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.