Clarence Leon Bland

Service Details

Date:     Friday, July 18, 2025

Location: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1120 Grand Avenue, Racine, WI

Visitation: 10:00am until the time of the service

Funeral: 11:00am

Racine – Clarence Leon Bland, 96, affectionately known as “Peter”, was born on April 21, 1929, in Quitman, MS, to James and Ophelia Bland.

He received his education in the Clarke County School in Quitman, MS, and lived a life defined by love, service, and strength of character.  Clarence entered the U.S. Army in 1946, during the post-war rebuilding efforts.  He was stationed in Nagasaki, Japan, as a proud WWII veteran.  His service reflected the integrity and dedication that guided his entire life.

Clarence married his first wife, Ms. Mary Vaughn, and together they shared 58 years of love and partnership, raising one daughter, Rosemary Bland, who he put through school.  He further helped Rosemary accomplish four degrees in college.

After Mary’s death, Clarence found love again and married Ora Mariah Conley, his present wife of 10 years.  Ora was devoted to being by his side with care and devotion through his last years until his death on July 10, 2025.

Clarence’s talents and gifts were many.  There seemed to be more that he could do than what he could not do.  He was a man of deep conviction, never met a stranger, tender-hearted for people (especially those who seemed overlooked), a mentor to many, never biting his tongue speaking truth and wisdom, and telling you exactly what you needed to hear even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear.  His honest delivery of advice with love, helped shape and guide countless lives.

He loved all kinds of animals, especially dogs.  He cared for his neighbors’ pets as well as his own.  He was an avid hunter-a marksman, a gardener, fisherman, raised dogs and many fish.  He was equally skilled indoors, known as a talented seamstress, pressed clothes, and one of the finest cooks you could ever meet. Clarence worked a variety of jobs in Cleveland, OH, and Chicago, IL, before settling in Racine.  He was naturally skilled. In Racine, he worked in the foundry at Lakeside, worked as a TV repair man, fixing electronics with the precision and care that defined so much of his life.  He went on to become General Foreman at J.I. Case where he finally retired.  No matter the job, Clarence brought dedication, ingenuity, and pride to his work.

Clarence is a Master Mason of Southgate Lodge No. 6 F&AM, Prince Hall, serving 59 years, where he embodied the principles of brotherhood, integrity, and service.  His involvement in the lodge was a reflection of his lifelong commitment to living with purpose, dignity, and honor.

Clarence leaves to mourn his devoted wife, Ora Mariah Bland; one daughter, Bishop Rosemary Bland-Crenshaw (Milwaukee, WI); sons, Kenneth Donaldson (Memphis, TN), Dr.Min. Gregory (Kesha) Williams (Prince George, VA), Gilbert L. Williams, Jr. (Racine, WI); God-son, Timothy (Antionette) Johnson (Atlanta, GA); grandsons,  Pete L. (Lela) Bland (Milwaukee, WI), Bobby (Brittany) Riddick (Milwaukee, WI); granddaughters, Shauntia Bland (Milwaukee, WI), Latoya Grayson (Milwaukee, WI); nieces, Katherine (Frank) Bland-Jenkins, Patricia Bland, Jackie Bland, Patricia (Jim) Bland, Courtney Perry, Felicia Vaughn; special niece and caregiver, Carrington Cornelious (Richmond, VA); nephews, Undrah (Seandra) Cornelius, Johnny (Daphene) Conley; special nephew, Leroy Walker; sister-in-law, Patsy (Willie J) Conley-Stewart; brothers-in-law, Robert Conley, Leon Vaughn; best friends, Gary Martin, Jodi (Mae) Reams; other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives too numerous to mention.

Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ophelia Bland; his first wife, Mrs. Mary Bland; two sisters, Margaret Brooks, Lovie Perry; five brothers, Benny Eatman, James “Jim” Bland, Timothy Bland, Toby Bland, and William “Bill” Atterbury-Bland.