Our hearts were saddened by the passing of our beloved Aunt Carrie, a woman whose love stretched across generations. She was not only a cherished aunt but also a devoted grandmother, offering guidance, comfort, and joy in every role she embraced.

Carrie D. Bland, born October 24, 1939, in Ford, Virginia, to the late Richard J. Smith and Mamie A. Davis, made her earthly transition on March 31, 2026, at the Petersburg Healthcare Center after a period of declining health.

Carrie graduated from Dinwiddie Training School, Class of 1958. After graduation, she relocated to New York, where she lived and worked as a Nursing Assistant for approximately forty years before retiring and returning home to Virginia. She enjoyed watching baseball, westerns, politics, and soap operas. She also loved reading, her favorite author was Patricia Cornwell, though she enjoyed many genres.

Carrie was preceded in death by all three of her children, Harvey N. Bland, Dorain Bland and Valorie B. Thomas; as well as her eldest granddaughter, Shaykia Bland. She was the youngest of eleven children and was preceded in death by each of her siblings and their spouses: Herbert Davis, James "Lou" Davis, Sr. (Willianna), Henry "PoDoc" Davis (Elema), Mary Perry (Ivy), Florence Pritchett (Arthur), Hattie Pritchett (Herbert), Dorthy "Pooch" Davis, Lloyd Davis (Francis), Virginia Gee (Herman) and George Davis (Nancy).

Carrie loved her family deeply. She leaves to cherish her memory one son‑in‑law, Eric Thomas, Sr. of New York; three devoted grandchildren, Eric Thomas, Jr., Malcom Thomas and Jasmine Thomas all of Petersburg, Virginia; and one great‑granddaughter, Cerenity Thomas of Pulaski, Virginia. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews with whom she shared a special bond, including Mamie Hayes (Montaque), Elaine G. Taylor, Althea Gee and Stephanie Gee.

Throughout her life, Carrie formed many meaningful friendships. Some have gone on before her, but two of her dearest friends, Adele Harding and Goldie Evans both of Wilson, Virginia, remain to cherish her memory.

A beautiful life has ended, but the love she shared will never fade. We will hold her memory close, grateful for every prayer, every visit, every conversation, every smile, every lesson, every phone call, and every text message. Her stories will continue to live on through all who loved her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Petersburg Healthcare Center and James River Hospice for the excellent care and consideration provided to their loved one.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Mt. Poole Baptist Church, 9515 Baltimore Road, Ford, VA, the Rev. Dr. James R. Kelly, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow in the church cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5854977?fl=so&fe=fs