Elizabeth Williams Bland

Elizabeth was surrounded by her husband and family. She was born in Wilmington, N.C., the daughter of Ann K. Harrell and Jesse Williams. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Walter L. Bland, five adult children, Terry Hammond, Gerry M. (Susan) Hammond, Billy Hammond (Liliana Visscher), Teena C. Benton, Kenneth (JoAnne) Lacey Sr., as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Laura Coley and Eleanor Palmer, two brothers, Jesse Williams and Patton (Pat) Williams, and grandson Jason Hammond.

Elizabeth’s early adult life was that of a housewife and mother to her children. She later went on to pursue a career as a real estate broker, eventually establishing her own company, Bland and Associates. The company grew to include two offices with multiple brokers. She was recognized as “Woman of the Year” 1976 by the local chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, “Realtor of the Year’ in 1981 the local Board of Realtors, and “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 1987 during the Women of Achievement Awards. She held various leadership positions with the local Board of Realtors and became an inspiration and mentor to many realtors in the area. In the community she served as a director for both the Chamber of Commerce and the YWCA. She was a staunch advocate for women in the community and involved in organizations for battered women. In retirement, she and her husband enjoyed volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. They were members of St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Services will be held at 9:00 AM on Friday, August 9 at St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Wilmington, N.C. with Rev. Katherine Harrington officiating. A reception will follow. After the reception interment of ashes will be at Oleander Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be given to the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc of Wilmington, Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, or a favorite charity of choice in her name. Online condolences may be made by going to www.coblegreenlawn.com and then searching under recent obituaries.