Chantilly, VA

Alexandria, VA

Dorothy Heater Bland

dorothy bland

November 17, 1924 ~ May 8, 2015

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Dorothy Lee Heater Bland went to our Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, May 8, 2015 at age 90. She died, peacefully in her sleep from Alzheimer's, at the home of her son, Bill Bland.

Dot was born on Nov. 17, 1924, in Cary, NC, to Russell Oran (R.O.) Heater and Jesse Muriel Conner Heater. She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, of 57 years, William A. "Bill" Bland, of Surf City, NC and her oldest son, Robert Russell "Bob" Bland, of Bisbee, AZ, her sisters, Marjorie Herring and Ann Morgan also predeceased Dot. Her brother, Robert "Bob" Heater, lives in Cary.

Dot is survived by sons: Thomas Henry Bland (wife, Diana), Burke, VA, William Goode "Bill" Bland, Alexandria, VA, and Richard Lee Bland, Richmond, VA. and her grandchildren: Kristina Girten (husband, Chris), Alexandria, VA, Karen Low (husband, William), Waco, TX, and Mari Lynn Foulger (husband, Michael), Brooklyn, NY and their daughter, (Dot's great-granddaughter) Penny Virginia Foulger.

Dot graduated from Cary High School, attended Flora MacDonald Preparatory School and received a 2-year degree from Peace College She married her sweetheart, Bill Bland, in August 16, 1942, as he was training as an infantry officer in the US Army. He was assigned to the 36th Infantry Division and sent to the European theater during World World II.

Dot worked at Dorothea Dix Hospital and in the N.C. Prison System, while Bill was overseas. When he returned, they lived in Cary. They had four sons, within four years, Bob (November 1946), twins: Tom & Bill (November 1948), and Richard (August 1950).

Dot's husband, Bill, began a lifelong career with the NC Department of Forestry in 1946. The family moved to Penrose, NC, in 1947. Bill's job then took him to Goldsboro, NC in 1953.

Dot became very active in business, politics, civic and church activities. She established a Welcome Wagon service in Wayne County, NC soon after Richard started school in 1956. Dot's career in Goldsboro also included: publishing a local Shopper's Guide, owning Dot's Steno Service, & Bland Realty. She established & managed C. L. Snipes Ford Car-Truck Leasing Corporation, for over 25 years.

She was very active in Wayne County Democratic Party politics, managing several successful local, state & national campaigns. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for her four sons. Three earned the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts.

She was a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church, in Goldsboro. After moving to Surf City, NC in 1974, she attended St. Philips Episcopal Church in Holly Ridge and Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel at Topsail Beach. Her sons gained their lifelong foundation in Jesus Christ through her faith.

She was a member of the Topsail Island Historical Society, the Topsail Island Ladies' Club and a
Volunteer at the Missile & More Museum. She was a supporter of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital. She was also the founder of the DAR Chapter in Hampstead, NC.

North Carolina memorial services will be held in two locations. The first graveside service will be in Cary, NC, at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2015 at the Hillcrest Cemetery, located off Dry Ave, with a left turn on Page St. The second service is. planned for 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 26, 2015, at the Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel, 1040 S. Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC. There will also be a graveside service in Boydton, VA, at the end of October 2015.

Memorial donations may be sent to Capital Caring Hospice, 5568 General Washington Drive, Suite A215, Alexandria, VA 22312 or to Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel, Fellowship House Fund, PO Box 3071, Topsail Beach, NC 28445.

The Bland family wishes to thank all family and friends, in advance, for their, love, thoughts, and prayers for our mother, Dot Bland, during her long life. Family and friends may contact Tom Bland, tbland6677@aol.com, to receive updated information.

Tom & Diana, Bill & Nancy (White), Richard, Kristy & Chris, Karen & William, Mari Lynn, Michael & Penny

Cemetery

Hill Crest Cemetery
Dry Avenue and Page Street
Cary, NC

June 25, 2015
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Memorial Service

Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel
1040 South Anderson Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC

June 26, 2015
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

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