Gladys Mozelle Bland's Obituary
Gladys "Mozelle" Bland, age 94, departed this life for her eternal home on Wednesday, February 27, 2013. She was born in Upshur County on August 5, 1918 to Charles and Inez Light. Mozelle graduated from Diana High School. Later she was an Avon and S.H. Kress sales representative for many years as well as a sales representative for Anthony's until she retired; all in Longview. Mozelle was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church all of her adult life. She was an active member in the Longview Police Wives Association and the Eastern Star Fraternity where she held many leadership positions.
Mozelle was a dynamic and highly energetic lady. She was a very involved and devoted mother for her two sons; Cub Scout den mother and pack leader, little league team "mom" and room mother throughout their school years. She was a cheer leader at 100's of ball games and track meets.
Mozelle was a "Neighborhood Mom" for all the local kids. They would gather at her home for fun, food, security and an occasional correction or as she would say, "Loving guidance on how to talk to and treat each other".
As her "North 7th street" neighborhood changed Mozelle became the "Neighborhood Mother Teresa" to those moving in. She accepted, welcomed and encouraged the young mothers regardless of language or race. She cuddled their babies and hugged their children. She became their "Texas Grandmamma". Mozelle loved them and they in turn loved, trusted, looked out and protected her until she moved into an "assisted living" home due to failing health.
Mozelle was many wonderful things to many people: a loving neighbor, caring friend, listening ear, compassionate spirit, comforting heart, a generous "praise Giver", an encouraging motivator, inspiring example, faithful Christian. Most of all she was a loving, proud and unselfish wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be sorely missed.
Mozelle is survived by her loving sons, Tim Bland and his wife Cindy, Roddy Bland and his wife Hattie, her grandchildren, Cindy Lee Bland Anderson and her husband Rick, Tammy Bland, Chris Bland and his wife Meredith, Kiley Bland and his wife Jill, Great-Grandsons, Spencer "Jack" Anderson, Jackson Bland, her brothers, C. E. "Buddy" Light and his wife Betty, and James Durwood Light.
She is preceded in passing by her loving husband Travis "Jack" Bland, parents Charles Edward "Charlie" and Inez Light, brothers, Willard, Leonard, Doyle and Olvis "Red" Light and her sisters, Faye "Light" Matthis and Betty Light.
Friends are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Rader Funeral Home in Longview from 3 pm to 6 pm. Funeral services will be the next day, Monday, March 4, 2013 at the funeral home starting at 10 am. Interment will follow at Memory Park Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Gladys?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gladys?
Share a story where Gladys' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gladys you’ll never forget.
How did Gladys make you smile?