B land’s Funeral Home was founded on June 15, 1952 by William N. Bland, Sr. and Olivia Elizabeth Hailes Bland, both Licensed Funeral Directors, in Petersburg, Virginia. The first structure, a white framed building, was accented by a white picket fence and a green canopy which covered the area from the porch to the sidewalk. This modest place of business was originally located at 137 Harrison Street. Although the current building has undergone several renovations and expansions, Bland’s Funeral Home has always had the same address. Mr. Bland, Sr. and his wife turned their family-owned business into a landmark for the citizens of Petersburg and
surrounding cities and counties. Harrison Street was to Petersburg what Auburn Avenue was to Atlanta-a thriving community of African-American churches and businesses.

Bland’s Funeral Home has always opened its doors to the community as a meeting place for African-Americans to address such concerns as Civil Rights, Voter Registration and other local, state, and national issues. Because of its personal touch and superior professional services, the funeral home grew rapidly and rendered first rate services throughout the Tri-Cities area and beyond.
Some of the services provided by the funeral include ambulance service
(1952-1966), tax and notary services, and most of all, the Bland family
continues to provide a heartfelt empathy to each family who has suffered the personal loss of a loved one.

In 1975, Bland’s Funeral Home expanded its business to the city of Hopewell by merging with Turner Funeral Home. An ultra-modern funeral home, known as Turner-Bland Funeral Home, was established in memory of Mr. Walter Turner, a dedicated Funeral Director and Embalmer in Hopewell, Virginia from 1953-1975.
Bland’s Funeral Home has had a long-standing and outstanding professional relationship with John Tyler Community College and its Mortuary Science Degree Program. Reverend William N. Bland, Jr.and his family have continued to serve with dignity and honor.Rev. Bland has served as an instructor at JTCC and, the Bland family has offered employment to aspiring morticians throughout the states of Virginia and North Carolina.

With God’s favor, we, the second generation, will continue to serve the community and state with our funeral services, our distinctive professional and personal touches, and a lifelong commitment to strive for excellence. Reverend William N. Bland, Jr., Doris B. Bland, William N. Bland, III and Nickia Bland-Johnson and our dedicated staff associates are readily available to meet your every need.The third generation will continue the legacy of William and Olivia Bland. Sr.