LaDonna Yvonne Bland started her traveling journey January 9, 1934 in Washington, MO to Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Officer, and reached her destination June 5, 2009.

   LaDonna was raised in Washington and joined St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) at an early age.  She attended and graduated from Sumner High School in St. Louis, MO.  She married Howard Bland in Washington, MO.  LaDonna later moved to Enid and worked in the nursing field at St. Mary’s Hospital and The Methodist Home.  She united with St. Stephen AME Church after moving to Enid.  At St. Stephen, she was a member of the choir, the Stewardess Board, the Minnie A. Haynes Missionary Society and attended Sunday School and church until her health failed.

    Donna leaves to celebrate her homecoming, one son, Kevin (Kerri) Wilson of Corinth, TX; one sister, Patricia Evans of Yancey, TX; one brother, Thomas Officer, Jr. of Spring, TX; two grandchildren, Kanisha and Andrew Wilson of Corinth, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

    She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Bland, one sister Mary Beth, and parents Thomas and Georgia Abington Officer.

I’m turning my face upward now

My work is finished here,

I can see the signs of Eternity

The Holy City is drawing near.

My lifelong hope soon fulfilled

My dream almost a reality.

I’ll be in the Lord’s presence

And worship Him in His majesty.

I’m headed to a place where

Christ has prepared for me,

He calls it home sweet home,

My home for eternity.

                                 by Dr. Gregory W. Spencer