Margaret G. Bland
September 4, 1923 - October 25, 2012
Obituary
The world was immeasurably blessed on September 4, 1923 when Margaret Virginia Goolsby came to live amongst us. She was a perpetual learner, appreciator of the arts, and a true global citizen. She traveled worldwide, reaching out to all while encouraging others to learn with her along the way. Her passing on October 25, 2012 will be deeply felt by all.
As an avid educator and specialist in developing early childhood learning programs, multicultural adult teaching strategies, multiple community, school, and church programs, Mother Bland touched innumerable hearts and lives through her mentorship, generosity, and wholesome brand of ongoing encouragement and support.
Born in San Diego, CA to the Rev. Louis S. Goolsby and Alice Willis, Margaret lived in Bakersfield, CA, Pueblo, CO, Lincoln, NE, and Seattle, WA where she met and married Joseph Herston Bland in 1947 at Seattle’s First A. M. E. Church. She graduated from the University of Washington in Education, often saying her desire to be a teacher was something she knew strongly in her heart since age five. She and Joseph raised their family in Seattle until Margaret moved to Panorama City in Lacey, WA – her home for her final twenty-three years.
Margaret Bland conversed in English, French, Spanish and kiSwahili, played the ‘cello, and loved both football and soccer. She led a life of significant accomplishment and recognition-the first African-American draftsperson at the Boeing Co. working on the B-52 airplane plans during WWII, as an Underground Railroad historian whose research led her to visits in the Nova Scotia African-Canadian communities, as an author of an interactive teaching book on Kwanzaa, and as a recipient of numerous education and community service awards, including the Washington State Retired Educators Achievement Award in 2011.
An accomplished poet, Margaret wrote many inspiring words for her greater Panorama community, often drawing on her love of nature and the campus’ beautiful natural surroundings as her muses. She and her dear friend, Beverly Barry were widely known in the Lacey area for their significant volunteer and leadership roles among which were St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School teachers and participants in many of Panorama City’s activity clubs.
Mother Bland is survived by a sister, two daughters, a son- and daughter in law, a niece, two grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Her husband and a daughter predeceased Margaret’s passing. The family extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to Bonney Watson, Panorama City, Inc., the Panorama City Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center, and Providence Hospital Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Panorama City Benevolent Fund 1751 Circle Lane SE Lacey, WA 98503.
Margaret Bland’s Memorial/Celebration of Life service: 10am Saturday, December 1, 2012 at St Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 540 School Street SE, Lacey, WA 98503
I am honored to have known Margaret Bland and to have hosted her in my home. The time we shared was just too short. My heartfelt condolences to Jet, Alison and Rose.
In honor of the Beautiful Mother Bland the many contributions she made, and the great love of learning she imparted, we send love and best wishes to Jet, Alison, and family.
Jet Bland has been my student for several years. I see now where she received her love of learning and her diverse interests: from her mother Margaret.
My wife Sandy and I send love and prayers to the entire family.
Dear Jet and family,
Please accept our sincere and deep condolences on the loss of Mother Bland. What an incredible woman she was – and what incredible memories you all will carry with you.
Warm hugs to all of you.
I never had the privilege of meeting the beautiful person known as Mother Bland, but I do believe I’ve witnessed her gentle spirit, loving nature, and committment to people in the person of her daughter Jet. May Mother Bland’s memory always be for a blessing.
Rest In Peace Sis Margaret. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family. From: Walker Chapel, AME Church Family
She will be missed.
It was a pleasure knowing and working with
Margaret in the Seattle Public Schools and
Walker Chapel Vacation Bible School.
My deepest sympathy to the family. We wil all miss
her greatjy.
Sister Bland was a dedicated Christian who worked diligently with the children of Walker Chapel A.M.E. Church. Her love and faith was reflected in their faces. My deepest sympathy to her family.
I’m certain God has already told Sis Margaret, Well done, my good and faithful servant . Family, you need to have comfort knowing she’s where all Christians are striving to be, in heaven with Jesus. May God continue to hold you close during your grieving process. Love, more of the Walker chapel family.
Our sympathies to the Bland family. Margaret was such a lovely person, that beautiful smile. I remember her as a member of First A.M.E. Church, Seattle, WA. She was an excellent teacher, she tutored our children in math & made it fun! I loved her children, her husband and sister. May God’s blessings be with them forever.
I am a friend of Margaret daughter, Jeannette, and I am so happy that I was able to meet Margaret this year. She seemed so nice, and shared one of her poems with me. I enjoyed looking at her display of nautical items, such as a miniature ship, compasses etc., . It was obvious that she had a real interest in these things because it was a fairly big display. I am pretty impressed with her accomplishments, and how smart and nice she was. It’s not surprising that her daughters are such wonderful people.
I’m sure that she’s in a peaceful place right now. : )
Mrs. Bland has a special place in our hearts, as she had our son in class at TT Minor, in the late ’70s. We had strong concerns that he was not reading well, but she gave him confidence and support and his reading skills took off. She was such a dear and gentle person, and certainly instilled the joy of learning in her students. What a wonderful legacy!
My deepest condolences to the family , as a friend of her daughter I can see the amazing woman she was through the children she raised.
Was such an amazing woman.
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of my Aunt Margaret, who took the time to visit with us several years ago. I honor her memory, and that of all of our ancestors.
Aunt Margaret and her siblings Charles, Lewis and John were, and in the case of my Aunt Lydia continue to be true pioneers and history makers as educators, military trailblazers, artists and social activists.
May she rest in peace and always be remembered.
All my relations.
My condolences to Mother Bland’s entire family. An amazing and peaceful soul has transcended, leaving this world a little bit empty. Her legacy will live on through the descendants committed to such humane works. I sure see evidence of that through my friend, her daughter, Jet.
My love and condolences to all surviving family members. Knowing this fine lady was an honor and a priviledge. She will always remain one my favorite people. Her contribution to the world cannot be measured. We should all aspire to touch so many people in so may positive ways,
Goodby dear friend. You will be missed.
Margaret was a very special person. I am most fortunate to have known her. I appreciated reading the above. Thanks
I work at Panaroma’s Assisted Living and I can remember when Margaret would come over and visit the residents during Happy Hour every fri. she would come and entertain them with Stories or just come by and visit them,she made alot of people happy. I will miss this amazing women. my prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time.
Always Sandy Iszler
For God to rest Margaret Bland’s soul. Prayer and Peace at this time for her family.
Sincerely,
Sister Audrey D. Miller, Walker Chapel A.M.E. Church
Margaret Bland, touched many beyond the boundries, sea and continents up to Africa ( Tanzania). Poor young girls in Tanzania will never forget her caring, loving and concern for a whole human being, educatioanally, spritually, physically and morally.
From the very day we heard about her diparture, we offered several masses for her eternal rest. Her loving and caring will continue ( Africa-Tanzania).
Her echo of greeting me in kiswahili, saying Jambo Habari, meaning How are you?, took bigger meaning that she cared and respected every one with her/his cultural background.
Let the soul of beloved Margaret Bland Rest in Peace,
Amen.
Sending sincere condolences to Aunt Margaret’s family and all who loved her. On the few times I had the pleasure to meet and spend time with her she shared her great energy and enthusiasm for life. May the memory of her beautiful spirit continue to illuminate and bless the lives of all who loved her.
With love,
Carol Goolsby
Thank you Everyone who attended Margaret’s memorial service in person or in prayer. The rainy weather systems had been pouring full force but for the few hours of our gathering in Mom’s honor the rains stilled, sun shone through St Andrew’s beautiful windows, and rainbows appeared in the visible heavens. Well done, Mom, well done.
“Mrs. Bland” as I’ve always known her as was unbelievably kind to my parents and family. I have fond memories of hand writing her letters, and then later learning to type and typing letters to mail to her. My middle name is Margaret, named after Mrs. Bland, and to this day my family calls me Margaret. I am saddened to only now learn how truly incredible she was, and the amazing things she did in her life. I will strive to honor her name.
With love,
(Priscilla) Margaret Estrada
My memories of Margaret (and Joe) go back to the 80’s, when we moved to Madrona and became acquainted. During pandemic walks, I passed what I believe was their home (423 34th Avenue?), and remembered our visits there. So I googled her name to see what had happened to her, assuming that she might have passed, being only a couple years younger than my own parents. I am grateful this site still exists and functions. I found a reference to Margaret’s address before moving to Lacey (apparently in about 1989) in an apartment building at 507 34th Avenue, which, if I remember correctly, was just a few doors north of the former family home. I remember Alison and J.C., who also lived down the street from us. I believe J.C. is about the age of my sons, David and Tony (born in 1977). My memories of Margaret and Joe are warm and fond, though somewhat vague as the years have passed. I still have—and use—the delightful Kwanzaa story book (written for children, but a good resource for adults as well) that Margaret wrote!
If a family member sees this message, my very belated condolences. I share my appreciation of Margaret’s generous spirit and wide-ranging influence. I would be pleased to receive an e-mail message confirming this history, if you are so inclined.
Blessings.