Mrs. Mary Easter Blanding

Mary T. Blanding, age 82, of Hopewell, Virginia, peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, August 28, 2025, at Tri-Cities Hospital in Hopewell, Virginia.

Mary was born on April 17, 1943, to the late Anthony and Rosebud Johnson Taylor of Prince George, Virginia. She was one of a large, loving family and grew up with strong values of faith, family, and perseverance that guided her throughout her life.

Mary was formerly married to Elijah Blanding (deceased), with whom she shared two daughters: Elder Carolyn Justine Roach (Dr. Walter L. Roach) and Christine Blanding Bailey (Terry). Mary was also blessed with her youngest daughter, Sharon Nick Bryant (Keenan), whose father is John Nick. Mary deeply loved all three of her children and maintained unique and personal relationships with each of them.

Mary worked diligently throughout her life. She was employed for five years at Firestone Synthetic Corporation until its closure, and later at John Randolph Hospital in Food Services, where she worked faithfully for 15 years until retiring in 2005. Even in her work, she built lifelong friendships, including Mr. Jimmy, who remained a devoted friend and often helped care for her in later years by mowing her lawn.

Mary served faithfully at the Power of Faith Christian Center for more than 20 years under the leadership of Bishop Walter L. Roach. She was often one of the first to arrive on Sunday mornings, waiting patiently in the parking lot until the church doors opened. Rain, sleet, or snow, Mother Mary was present. She joyfully served wherever needed-whether sweeping the church floors, ushering at the door, or praising God with her beloved maracas, a gift from her daughter. Her unwavering presence, joyful spirit, and servant's heart made her one of the church's most faithful members and church mother.

Mary was also a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She showed her love through action, especially toward her children. Whenever one of them was hospitalized or sick, she stayed by their side from admission until discharge, offering comfort and strength. She shared a special bond with Christine, who lived behind her; the two often had long conversations over the backyard fence. In her later years, Mary also attended Fountain of Life Church with Christine under the leadership of Pastor Jamison.

Mary loved dressing well and always looked forward to the beautiful holiday outfits her daughter Carolyn selected for her. Sundays were also a time of joy for Mary, when she joined Carolyn and Bishop Roach for meals after church at some of her favorite restaurants. Dining out with loved ones was one of her favorite pleasures-whether with her church family, Bishop and Carolyn, or her close friends, Ms. Colleen (deceased) and Ms. Margaret Jackson. Together, they delighted in food, fellowship, and, of course, enjoying their well-earned senior discounts.

Mary held a tender and unique love for her youngest daughter, Sharon. She eagerly anticipated Sharon's visits home from South Carolina, where Sharon lived for many years and worked as a semi-truck driver for Swift Transportation. Mary was so proud of her baby girl's accomplishments. After Sharon's passing, Mary would light up every time she spotted a Swift truck on the road, as it reminded her of Sharon and brought her joy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Sharon Nick Bryant; her parents, Anthony and Rosebud Taylor; her sister, Virginia Green; brothers, Robert, Anthony, John, and Paul Taylor; and her son-in-law, Curtis Bailey Jr.

Left to cherish her precious memories are her devoted children: Christine Blanding Bailey (Terry) of Hopewell and Carolyn Justine Roach (Dr. Walter L. Roach) of Disputanta; her grandchildren: Terrell Roach of Norfolk, Carleton Roach of Disputanta, Shawana Roach of Norfolk, and Orlando Bryant of Northern Virginia; her siblings: Richard Taylor (former spouse, Mildred), Rosa Taylor Blanding (Ulysses, deceased), Dorothy Taylor Thorne (Plumber, deceased), and Patricia Taylor Robinson (Jerome).

She was also blessed to be surrounded by a large extended family. Among her surviving loved ones are her aunts, Aunt Ida Hall James and Aunt Addie James Burton, both of whom have been graced to live beyond 100 years of age. Mary cherished them deeply and took great pride in their long, fruitful lives honoring not only them but also the many aunts and uncles who preceded her in death.

A host of nieces and nephews also survive her-among them Darlene Thompson, Ruby Blanding, Inez Green, and Doreatha Gaffney-who, along with Mary's loving sisters, provided her with special care and comfort during her illness.

She also leaves to remember her with love: her extended "bonus" family through Christine-Diya Bailey of Tacoma, Washington; Lance Bailey of Texas; Marcus Bailey of St. Louis, Missouri; Crystal Logan Williams Pope; Menagea and Meeka Williams.

Mary's circle of love extended beyond her family to include her caring medical team. She held a special bond with her nurse, Aleya-lovingly called "My Girl." Mary's family expresses heartfelt thanks to Dr. Profit and his staff, Tri-Cities Hospital, Appomattox Rehab Center, and the Neuro staff for their care and compassion.

Mary T. Blanding lived a life marked by faithfulness, love, and joy. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and faithful servant of God. Her legacy of unwavering love and her beautiful spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." – 2 Corinthians 5:8

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Petersburg Chapel of Bland Funeral Home, 137 Harrison Street. Her daughter, Elder Carolyn Roach will officiate. Interment will follow in Mount Sinai Community Cemetery, Prince George. Public visitation will be held from 10am-8pm, Friday, September 5th at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Petersburg Chapel of Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., 804.732.7841. www.blandfuneralhomes.com