Winifred Fairfax Bland

Winifred (Winnie) Landrum Bland died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 at Chateau on the Ridge in Paragould, Arkansas. She was 93. Winnie was born July 26, 1923 to the late Margaret and Horace Landrum in Blytheville, Arkansas. She was a graduate of Paragould High School. She worked in her father's bakery, the Highland Pastry Shop, in her early years. On July 9, 1941, she married H. Francis Bland, Jr. They were married 63 years until his death in February 2005. Winnie is survived by her children: Donna Bland Williams of Little Rock, Herbert F. Bland Ill (Kay) of Paragould, John A. Bland (Joyce) of Paragould and Dallas and Denise Bland Bednar (Frank) of Frankfort, Illinois. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, Kathy Williams Kostopulos of Little Rock, Nancy Williams White of Austin, Texas, Sara Bland Burnett (Patrick) of Memphis, Amy Bland Brantley (Dow) of England, Jason Bland (Kristen) of Memphis, Julie Bland Chumley (Andrew) of Dallas, Jake Bland (Natalie) of Paragould, Joseph Bland of Fayetteville, Lydia XinYing Bednar and Thomas Yahui Bednar of Frankfort, Illinois, 18 great-grandchildren and her little dog, Mia. Winnie is also "Mama" to exchange students Cristina Lima Rocha and Catia Lima Baquit of Fortaleza, Brazil. Cristina, Catia, and brother Wilton Lima, and their families were part of her Brazilian family. The families have remained close throughout the years. Since 1975, their children and families continue to visit Paragould and maintain strong relationships with Winnie's extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Francis and son-in-law Rev. Bill Williams. Winnie enjoyed sewing, knitting, playing bridge and was an avid reader and an excellent cook. She was known for her full cookie jar and wicked sense of humor. Winnie was active in the community through service as a Girl Scout leader and Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary where she worked with the candy striper program. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church. The Bland family would like to extend deep appreciation to the Chateau on the Ridge, Director Debra Vassar, the staff and caregivers. They were always gracious and loving to Winnie and the entire family. A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Paragould with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Services will be conducted by Heath Funeral Home of Paragould. A reception for family and friends will follow in the FUMC Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church Witt House. Visit www.heathfuneralhome.com for online tributes.