Annie "Sister" Bland

Salute To Mrs. Annie Bertha Rowe Bland Our beloved sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother went to be with her Heavenly Father Friday, February 1, 2013 at Covenant Medical Center-Cooper, surrounded by her family. Age 81 years. Annie was born September 6, 1931 in New Brockton, Alabama daughter of the late James and Erie Rowe. She graduated from Elbe High School in 1949 and then went on to attend Alabama A&M College. Annie moved to Saginaw in 1951 where she met and married Ivory Bland in 1953. To this union, five children were born. Annie worked at Saginaw General Hospital in the dietary department and later for the Buena Vista School District as a Teacher's Aide and Bus Chaperone. In 1978, she attended Delta College, graduating with an Associates of Arts degree in 1980. She continued at Saginaw Valley State College, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduating from Saginaw Valley, she began teaching for the Buena Vista School District, retiring in 1996. She was an active member of the Lion's Club, Parent Teacher Association, Singles Club and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Annie's priorities were faith and family. She will be remembered and cherished for her great love of her family and friends, especially her daughter, Tylinda, devoting her life, ensuring her happiness, well-being and future. She enjoyed watching the game show channel, playing cards, going to yard sales and gardening. Annie was a member of Grace Chapel Church. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 91. She loved verse 2, "I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress: My God; In Him will I trust." Surviving are four children, Jennifer Jane (Charlie) Shorter of Saginaw, Darlene Michelle (Douglas) Tucker of Dallas, Texas, Kail Patrick (Tasha) Bland of Saginaw and the love of her life, Tylinda Delisa Bland; eight grandchildren, Timothy (Gertis) Strong, Jr., Synia Strong of Saginaw and ZaKiya Strong of Grand Rapids, Justin Shorter of Saginaw; Douglas Tucker II of Dallas, Texas, Errick, Alexius and John Bland of Saginaw; six great-grandchildren, Timothy III, Timiya, Gabrielle, Ja'Naysha, Javaya and Jaylah; one brother, Jessie (Lorene) Rowe of Saginaw; three sisters, Mattie Langston of Saginaw, Icylene Gray of Columbus, Georgia and Virginia (Walter) Pearson of Jefferson City, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Edward (Mary) Bland of Saginaw, Richard (Jean) Bland of Burt, Michigan; two sisters-in-law, Modell Henderson and Jessie (Bob) Winter, both of Saginaw; also many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends whom she loved and cherished, including Jasmine Collins, Tyler's first love. Annie has now joined of her parents, James and Erie Rowe; her husband, Ivory Bland; daughter, Janice Strong; grandson, Tyler Strong; two sisters, Eunice Gee and Della Brown; brother, Sherman Rowe; nieces, Euna Redding and Louise Morris; nephews, Paul Finch and Bobby Brown; in-laws Willie and Willie Bland; and brothers-in-law, LeRoy Bland, James Bland and "Gray". The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Covenant Medical Center doctors, nurses, technicians and other employees for their dedication, care and support of our beloved Annie Bertha Bland. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Grace Chapel, 2202 Janes Street. Pastor James Nelson will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Annie "Sister" Bland

September 6, 1931 - February 1, 2013