Barbara Bland

***BARBARA'S FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT MASKS BE WORN AND SOCIAL DISTANCING BE OBSERVED DURING VISITATION AND SERVICE*** Mrs. Barbara Bland, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord on January 22, 2022. Barbara Jeanette (Neel) Bland was born on April 24, 1944, in Sulphur Springs, Texas to parents William Neel and Gennela Bryant Neel. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Larry and Richard Jennings. Barbara married the love of her life and best friend, Don Bland, on September 13, 1962 and they raised two children in a home filled with love and faith. She was a woman with a heart for others and she was always known for giving any help she could to anyone in need. She worked with the Women’s Resource Center in Grand Prairie for many years where her devotion to helping other ladies in challenging times earned her the respect of her colleagues and peers. Barbara was most comfortable serving “behind the scenes” and she took great comfort in knowing that others were helped. Never one to seek public praises, Barbara’s generosity will always be known by the legacy of compassion and caring that she extended to others. She enjoyed leading Bible study groups, Sunday School as well as being involved in other programs that encouraged and uplifted the many lives she was able to touch. In 2004, she and Don moved to Forney where they immediately fell in love with the small town atmosphere and its residents. She was a longtime and dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Forney where she was involved in many different activities, making many friends and brightening attendees and visitors every time the church doors were open. A beautiful woman with a dazzling smile, Barbara will be missed by all who knew her and never forgotten. Barbara’s memory will continue to be cherished by her beloved husband, Don Bland of Forney, Texas; children: James Bland and wife, Diana, of Austin, Donna McKean and husband Sean of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren: Tiffany Fassett and husband, Patrick, Kyle McKean and wife, Keiley, Kayla Cobb and husband, Jeffrey and Paris Bland; eight great grandchildren; as well as seven siblings and their families and other extended friends and family who will treasure Barbara’s memory. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 27, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Forney with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. to service time. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Forney, Texas. For those wishing, memorials in honor of Barbara can be made to the FBC-Forney Higher Ground 2.0, https://fbcforney.org/give/

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Barbara Bland

April 24, 1944 - January 22, 2022