August 1, 2024, 96, Kinston —

July 16, 1928-August 1, 2024

Lois Bland passed away peacefully at The Gardens of Trent on Thursday, August 1, 2024. She was born in Pender County to the late Charles Edwin Moore and Nora Ferguson Moore. At the age of 9, Lois moved to Kennedy Home where she lived until she graduated from high school. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Franklin “Frank” Bland, Sr.

Lois met the love of her life, Frank Bland while she was in nurse training, and her life changed forever. Frank and Lois ran Friendly Grocery in Kinston, which later became Bland’s Grocery when Frank’s brother joined the business. They worked side by side for many years until the birth of her first child, Chris. It would be 17 years later they would continue to grow their family by three more. She loved being a mother and treasured her time spent at home with them all. Her life became even sweeter with the birth of her grandchildren.

Lois was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Kinston. She dedicated countless hours of service to the Lord there. Her passion was in cooking and found her home in the kitchen. Wednesday night meals were often prepared by her hands. Feeding people was an extension of who she was and a way to show how much she loved others. She was also a faithful member of the Faith Bible Class as long as her health allowed her to attend.

From growing her own food in the garden to tending to her flowers to fishing at the beach, she enjoyed the outdoors. It was a place where she could work with the soil and God’s good creation. Lois was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was known for her way of caring for others. But she was also known for being direct and straightforward. No one ever had to worry where they stood with her. Her memories are treasures her family will continue to carry forward.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 11:00 am in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home. Visitation will take place an hour prior to the service (10:00 am). Committal will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Lois is survived by her children, Chris B Gates, Sarah B Westbrook, Thomas Edwin “Tommy” Bland, and Arthur Franklin “Frank” Bland, Jr (Jennifer); grandchildren, Christi Hill, Joe Gates (Star), Kristen Westbrook, Andrew Bland, and Collins Bland; great-grandson, Landon; and a beloved grand-dog, Sierra.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Lois’ memory to either Kennedy Home, 2557 Cedar Dell Ln, Kinston, NC 28504, or First Baptist Church in Kinston, 2600 Rouse Road, Kinston, NC 28504.

Online condolences can be made at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange, NC.