Milwaukee, WI. (formerly a resident of Racine, WI.) – Ora Lee (nee: Castor) Bland, age 100, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 24, 2021. Ora was born August 28, 1921 in Mt. Vernon, AL. to the union of John and Julianer Castor.

She received her formal education in the Mt. Vernon Public School System and further in the Citronelle School System. Upon graduation, she was employed at the airport in Mobile, AL. One of her fondest memories was when General Douglas MacArthur visited the General Douglas MacArthur Airport and he spoke to them while they were working.

Ora accepted Christ at the age of 11, and was baptized in the Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church , she was a faithful member until she relocated.

Ora and James E. Bland, Sr. were married in Mt. Vernon, AL in 1944 and relocated to Racine, WI in 1947.  This union was blessed with four children, Kathryn, James Jr., Jacquelyn and Patricia.  She united with St. Paul Baptist Church in 1948 where she was a dedicated member until her death.

Ora enjoyed cooking and she was an awesome cook.  She was known throughout the family, coast to coast, for her cooking skills.  Her family Bar B Qs were legendary.

She loved her church and church family and participated in many organizations. Some of her favorites were singing in the choir, serving as a member of the kitchen committee, and serving on the Willing Worker's Committee.  It also made her very happy to be able to serve the needs of many people at the Mercy House.  She received awards for her volunteer service through the Head Start Program in Racine.

Ora was extremely supportive in her children's education and was often found volunteering at the various schools they attended.

Ora was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Bland, Sr; her parents, John and Julianer Castor; her grandsons, Dante Bland and Shawn Jenkins; sisters, Daisy Bishop, Beatrice Dixon, Elizabeth Randolph; brothers, John Castor, Minto (Mary) Castor, Nathaniel (Mattie) Castor, Elijah Castor and a devoted cousin, Ruth Stephens.

She leaves to cherish her memory, children Kathryn (Frank) Jenkins, James E. (Patricia) Bland, Jr., Jacquelyn Bland, Patricia (Melvin) Williams and one brother-in-law, Clarence (Ora Mariah) Bland. Grandchildren, Katrina Bland, Tiffany Jenkins, Felicia (Maushae) Byles, James Bland III, Martha Johnson and Darren Hayes. 16 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

The Celebration of Her Life will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, 11:00am in St. Paul Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., Racine, WI. Visitation will be in the church from 10:00am – 11:00am. Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby will be officiating the service. Entombment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Please see the funeral home website for her complete obituary.

Masks must be worn at all times while in the church

Service Details

Funeral: Friday, November 5, 2021 11:00am

Visitation: Friday, November 5m 2021 10:00am – 11:00am

Location: St. Paul Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., Racine, WI.

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