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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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
Pastor Della Jane Buckley says
Sister Bland safe in the arms of Jesus. RIH!
Gracie G Witherspoon says
Today I join the family of Mrs. Ora Lee Bland in mourning the loss of their loved one and my childhood ‘other mother’. I couldn’t begin to recount all of the memories that I have of her from my childhood, but I can say that they were all positive. She never had a discouraging word but she would steer you away from going in the wrong direction. I send my heartfelt condolences to Kat, Jackie, Patty, Bro, and The generations following . I do love you all.
Walter & Vallie Rogers says
Mrs. Bland will be greatly missed by so many who loved her and will be remembered by her beautiful smile.
Charlie ‘& Carolyn Robinson says
Sending our condolences and prayers to the family
Deacon Charlie and Carolyn Robinson
Marilyn Washington says
My condolences and prayers for the family 🙏🏾
Joann Hayes McMorris says
My condolences to the family.
Latanzia, Ken, & Haven Stephens says
Your forever be our angel. We love and miss you beautiful lady!
Deacon Jeff and Nicole Urquhart says
Sending our condolences and prayers to the family 🙏🏽
Tammi J. McCright says
Another Saint has marched on in. Rest in Heaven Sister Bland
Kindal Turner says
My condolences to the family
Allen and Onita Payne says
Our prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of your dear mother..
Allen and Onita Payne. says
Praying for you in the passing of your dear mother, may God be with you and strength you.
Susan Jorgenson says
Was Ms. Bland ever a librarian at Washington Park High School?
Her name and face feel so familiar. I have some wonderful memories and
questions for her family. If this is not the right person, ignore, but it this is
woman I am thinking of please text me at jeffjasue@yahoo.com
thank you
Jessica says
So sorry to hear of her passing! She was one of my favorite customers and she will be missed!
Archie and Shelia Rainer says
Praying for the family. Ora such a nice person. Beautiful smile.
Charlotte starks says
I miss the conversations
Pamela Nelson Martin says
Jackie,
May God keep you and your family in your time of need.
Dorothy Erby Cosby. FAMILY. says
MAY SHE RIP, PRAYING for the Family.
Duck Albuquerque NM says
Hello family my condolences and prayers are with the family I will always cherish the family reunions i spent together talking and having fun with Ora and Jim love You
Beverly Reynolds says
My condolences and prayers go out to the family of mother Bland. I and so many others will miss her terribly. Over the years we would call each other and always sent each other christmas cards. Always seem to meet up in the summer buying flowers for our gardens. Moments like this is what I will miss the most. RIPIH mother Bland
Gone but will never be forgotten
M. Tanton says
Love and condolences to the Family of Cousin Ora Bland. God bless you as we keep you lifted in prayer and as He keeps His loving arms wrapped around each of you for strength and comfort! — Love , Toon and the Tanton Family
Judy Collins says
Condolences ce to the Bland Family on the passing of Mrs. Cora Lee Bland.
May God be with you during this challenging time. May she rest in peace.
Judy Collins on behalf of the Goodman and Works families.
Janice (Kirby) Bond Family says
So sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. May God comfort your family, he gave her a long life what a blessing. I remember her at St. Paul Baptist Church and bringing clothes to my mother , Armanda Kirby, to alter for her. My family have all of you in our prayers! The Bond family. (Oscar,Janice,Joel and Dana)
Anonymous says
To my 70’s family you have our most sincere prayers. Mom will be truly missed. Harbridge for life. Your 60’s family. Steven Louis and your Light Family.
GLORIA THOMAS says
Please accept my sincere condolences.