Mrs. Rachel Deborah Vanden Bland was the youngest of five children from the marriage of Mr. George Vanden and Mrs. Bertha Alexander Vanden.  Her parents and siblings Joseph, Nathan, Esther (Charles Mainor), and James have all predeceased their baby sister.  Her unwavering dedication to family was her hallmark. She was born on Sunday, May 22, 1932 in Cincinnati, Ohio and went to God and Glory on Thursday, October 24, 2024.  She was educated in Cincinnati and Kenton, Ohio.  After graduating from high school, she was awarded a music scholarship from her church.  The congregation and her schools recognized her anointed instrumental and vocal talent from an early age.  She continued as an accomplished and talented musician throughout her long life.  She played the majestic pipe organ for many years at the historic original Zion Baptist Church that is still heralded as a historic landmark located on Sprague Street in Dayton, Ohio.  The congregation of Central Chapel AME Church of Yellow Springs, Ohio was also blessed with her dedicated musicianship for many more years.  She attended the Historic Black College of Wilberforce University in Xenia, Ohio and Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.  At Wilberforce, she met Thomas Wendel Bland Sr.  This began their long lasting love and dedicated marriage of 54 years until Dr. Bland passed away in 2005 (VA Medical Center 25 years.)  Mrs. Bland also worked as a Registered Nurse for over 60 years using her education, talent, compassion, and gifted ability to care and serve the community in various and diverse organizations including:  The Veterans Administration of Dayton, Ohio, The Lewis Center of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the University of Dayton.  She contributed her expertise to the community in the Grandparents Program during her retirement.     

Loving Family of Rachel Deborah Vanden Bland

Children:

Thomasina D. Bland-Johnson (Richard Johnson-deceased) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  3 children and 6 grandchildren

Deborah W. Bland-Jackon (Jeremiah Jackson-deceased) of Suffolk, Virginia

Thomas Wendel Bland Jr. (Rachael Lynette Charlton-Bland-deceased) of Dayton, Ohio

Sarah E. Bland-McGirt (Paul McGirt) of Chesapeake, Virginia

 

Grandchildren:  Gran nicknamed them the “The Copper Kids”when they were small.  

Jadah Delise Jackson of Suffolk, Virginia

Jerome Derrick (Ryanell Derrick) of Newport News, Virginia

Daneka Janel Jackson of  Newark, Ohio

Sierra Sharron Jones of Hampton, Virginia

Alifa Rachelle Jackson of Suffolk, Virginia (Our Angel since 2021)

Tia Marie Jones of Virginia Beach, Virginia

 

Great Grandchildren:   Gran adored being a part of this “Fourth Generation”.  

Raekwon Elijah Jackson of Virginia Beach, Virginia

Kiara Naomi Williams of Richmond, Virginia

Jhordin Lashae Price  of Newport News, Virginia

Shaniah Janae Williams of Suffolk, Virginia

Jemere Trayvon Derrick of Newport News, Virginia

Jalen Derrick of Newport News, Virginia

Janiyah Lynette Derrick of Newport News, Virginia

 

There are many other family members and long-time friends.  Mrs. Martha Mundell is recognized as her most loyal friend.  We thank everyone that prayed and supported our family through this time.  We want to express our special gratitude to the staff at the Laurels of West Carrolton and the Hospice care staff for their compassionate and excellent care during Miss Rachel’s time there.  

Rachel Deborah Vanden Bland is affectionately called Mother, Mom, and Gran RN.  We all especially enjoy calling her GRAN.  She is a woman with many gifts and talents.  Thomas Sr. and Rachel raised their children,  and strongly influenced their grandchildren and great grandchildren to love God and do their best in life.  This great legacy was demonstrated by working hard, always taking us to church, praying, reading scripture, and church participation.  She greatly enjoyed reminding all of us about our family tree with names and dates of each person listed on cards and letters.  Gran very often encouraged us all to do our best, take good care of ourselves and always love each other.  She strongly encouraged us to participate in music.  Each one  in the family has felt the warmth of the beautiful blankets made with her own hands.  She was determined to crochet elaborate gifts for us in our own special colors and designs.  Her sense of humor, unconditional love, and unwavering support will always be priceless.  As our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she is a precious irreplaceable matriarch and family member.  Gran was always active in family gatherings.  She gave us so much and gave all that she could, while always wanting to give more.  Words cannot fully express how much we all will miss her.  Proverbs 31:30b A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.  “We love you, Gran”.